CHRISTCHURCH NEWS

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 May 1928, Page 5

CHRISTCHURCH NEWS

CANDIDATE FOR LYTTELTON

(Special to "Star.")

CHRISTCHURCH, May 30.

A meeting of supporters of the Reform Party in the Lyttelton electorate, was held in the Chamber of Commerce, this afternoon for the purpose of discussing matters in connection with the coming general election. Mr J. A. Boulton, Chairman of the Committee at the last general election, was voted to the Chair. It was decided that the Reform Party should be represented by a candidate at the general election this year. A committee was set up consisting of one representative of each of the districts of Cashmere, Opawa, Woolston, Sumner, Lyttelton and Peninsula Bays. This committee was instructed to submit a report in connection with the selection of a candidate to a further meeting of delegates to be held at an early date. It is reported that in addition to Mr J. O. Coop (Little River), who is willing to contest the seat as the party’s candidate, there is another candidate in view. A ballot will probably be necessary.

LABOURERS’ UNION. Au interesting contest for the position of Secretary of the Canterbury General Labourers’ Union will take place shortly, the present secretary, H. Worrall, being opposed by S. Fournier, who is recognised as the leader of the Communist Party in Christchurch. According to the rules of the Union, the position of secretary is open for election by ballot annually, but no person can be nominated unless he has been a financial member of the Union for a specified time. Mr Worrall was elected to the position on the resignation of Mr E. J. Howard, following Mr Howard’s election as Member of Parliament in 1919. Since Mr Worrall’s election as successor to Mr Howard, his occupancy of the position has not been contested, but this year, a move will be made by the Communist element to capture control of the Union. Mr Fournier has been brought forward to contest the position. As his nomination is quite in order, he will go to ballot with Mr Worrall. The rules provide for a postal ballot being held, voting papers, together with stamped addressed envelopes for their return being sent to all the 1500 odd members of the Union. All voting papers must be returned two days before the annual meeting of the Union which takes place on June 19. SQUARE IMPROVEMENT. The City Council workmen made a start to-day on the work of shifting back the stone kerbing on the eastern side of the Cathedral, in accordance with the arrangement recently made between the Council and the Cathedral Chapter. Some months ago, it was ascertained that .the Cathedral Chapter did not hold a title to the strip of land on the eastern side of the Cathedral grounds. The City Council lodged a claim to the land on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch. The strip in dispute had a width of 14 feet at a point in line with the centre of Worcester Street narrowing gradually until it joined with the kerbing on the northern and southern frontages of the Cathedral grounds. After protracted negotiations, the Council and Chapter agreed on a compromise on which half the strip is to be vested in the city, and the additional land to be used for the purpose of widening the carriageway which is very narrow in this part of the Square. The footpath will remain the same width as at present. UNEMPLOYED. Forming themselves into an organised body, with an executive and other committees, the unemployed of Christchurch have now become possessed of aspiration for a union. This union of unemployed will be affiliated with the Labour Representation Committee, if the new notion comes to anything. At the general meeting of organised unemployed to-day S. Fournier said that the unemployed had fried previously to become affiliated, but had been turned down. He thought that if the unemployed could become affiliated, it. would be a benefit to the Labour Party. He moved that the secretary of the unemployed (.1. Marrs) should write to the committee seeking affiliation. Although V. Goodman was in favour of affiliation, he thought it would be impossible for members of the proposed union to pay the capitation fees. Mr Fournier: If the affiliation is granted the union of unemployed will be affiliated with all associated bodies. If necessary they will pay fees. However, I am so optimistic about the union, I think its members will be able to pay. Mr Goodman: It has been argued (hat the unions to which those out of work belong are represented on the Labour Representation Committee, and that we are represented through them. The unions don’t know what, we unemployed are up against. The motion was carried.