A CHALLENGE

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 50, 22 November 1930, Page 10

A CHALLENGE

Unemployment Board

LABOUR DIFFERENCES Mr. Bromley Invites Debate Accepting a challenge issued by the New Zealand Alliance of Labour, Mr. W. Bromley, member of the recently-con-stituted Unemployment Board, and president of the Trades and Labour Council, suggests meeting Mr. J. Roberts, secretary of the alliance, in a debate on the action of the Trades Council in supporting nominations for the board. The suggestion arises out of an advertisement challenging the Trades Council executive and others to attend a meeting in the Trades Hall to-morrow evening to “hear the verdict of the rank and file. Mr. Bromley has written as follows to Mr. Roberts: — , . . . “There is no difference of opinion between the Alliance of Labour and the Trades Council as to the right of tne workers to elect their own representatives. The challenge cannot therefore be connected with that question. The difference of opinion is apparently due to the action of the Wellington Trades Council in recommending the .president and secretary to the affilated unions for nomination, and also to the action of myself in accepting appointment to the board.

“I accept the challenge on behalf of the Trades Council, and suggest that in order that the rank and file may decide with a full knowledge of the facts, the question be debated at the meeting between ourselves on the following resotion: — That the action of the Wellington Trades Council in recommending its affiliations to nominations Messrs W. Brpmley and F. D. Cornwell, as workers’ representatives on the Unemployment Board be approved, and the action of Messrs. Bromley and Mcßrine in accepting appointment after nomination is in the best interest of the workers of the Dominion. “I think an independent chairman would be the most fair arrangement, and suggest that Mr. P. J. O’Regan be asked to act, or failing him, I am prepared to receive suggestions from you.” Mr. Roberts declined to make any comment when the above letter was referred to him last evening. ACTION ENDORSED Opposition to Alliance Attitude The statement recently issued by the Wellington Trades and Labour Council, in which opposition was expressed to the attitude of the Alliance of Labour toward the Unemployment Act, was endorsed at a meeting of the council on Thursday evening. A resolution was carried congratulating Mr. W. Bromley, the president of the council, on hit! appointment to the board as a representative of the workers. The resolution referred to the prominent part Mr. Bromley had taken in every effort to deal with the unemployment problem, and stated that he would receive the support of every trade unionists imbued with a desire to assist the unemployed.

FARMERS’ MEMBER

Mr, Small’s Undertaking

Dominion Special Service.

Palmerston North, November 20.

“I have never lifted a finger to secure the npsition, and I hope that my acts will be in accord with the confidence that has been placed in me. I will use my best endeavours to see that the money collected from the people is used to the advantage of the people concerned,” said Mr. P. J. Small, primary industries- representative on the Unemployment Board, when replying to congratulations on his appointment, at a meeting of the Dairy Farmers’ Union yesterday. Mr. Small was congratulated by the chairman of the union, Mr. N. Campbell, on behalf of members.