FREEZING WORKERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1937, Page 15

FREEZING WORKERS

MOVE FOR UNITY

INTERESTS OF MAJORITY.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, February 24.

A suggestion that the time was opportune for reorganisation of the freezing industry throughout New Zealand was made by Mr. S. Harland, a member of a deputation of freezing workers which waited on the Minister of Labour (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong; today. He said the majority of the men I desired a larger organisation and a South Island union. There was a I minority of men in each shed who favoured resuscitation of the old Southland and Canterbury Union, but he felt that the interests of the majority should be met. It was desired that 'the Minister should provide a ballot on the question. Registration of the Ocean Beach and Balclutha unions had been granted, but they found that these had insufficient, power. What was required was a stronger organisation of all the South Island workers. The men were squabbling among themselves and it was desired that they should have an opportunity to become united. The Minister said the Government was in an impossible position. Unions had been registered and established by law before the Government came into office. The Government was not responsible for their existence. He had tried as far as possible to unite the industry and have the hatchet buried. It was not customary for the Labour Department to take a ballot. Provision was made by law for the settlement of differences. However, he was anxious for unity in New Zealand and he would work for that object, but he was not sure what he could do to bring about the objective of the deputation. - The Government would try to finalise the matter and if necessary the Department would even take a ballot.