STORMY MEETING

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 December 1928, Page 9

STORMY MEETING

SYDNEY LABOUR COUNCIL CLERKS’ DELEGATE IN TROUBLE There were stormy scenes at a recent meeting of the Sydney Labour Council when efforts were made to eject Mr. F. A. Armstrong, delegate from the Clerks’ Union, on a charge of alleged disloyalty to the council. Because Mr. Armstrong defied all present and resolutely refused to move from his seat, the meeting was eventually adjourned half-an-hour before the usual closing time. The trouble arose because Mr. Armstrong criticised the secretary, and later attacked the council in the Press for certain happenings at its recent meetings. A resolution that Mr. Armstrong be asked to withdraw was carried. When he declined to leave, on the ground that the executive of his union had requested him to remain, the chairman asked the guadiaus to eject him forcibly. A hint from Mr. Armstrong that he would take legal action caused them to desist; but the chairman jumped from the platform and a scuffle ensued. When order was eventually restored, Mr. Armstrong was still seated in his chair, and Mr. Ryan then announced ' that there was only one thing to do —adjourn the meeting. Mr. Armstrong stated, after the meeting, that the Communists were responsible for the occurrence. “I am the accredited representative of my union, and I will remain on the council until my organisation decides otherwise,” said Mr. Armstrong. “I propose to reveal the sinister character of the influences dominating the council, and the questionable methods adopted to secure tlio return of tried and trusted Reds.”