HYDRO STRIKE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22587, 16 March 1948, Page 6

HYDRO STRIKE

BALLOT SECRECY ISSUE UNION DENIES CHARGES (P.A.) WELLINGTON. March 16. The strike of nearly 900 men on the three major power schemes In the Central Waikato is under discussion between the New Zealand Workers’ Union and the Government and will probably be considered by Cabinet tomorrow. lire management of the union has been summoned to a special meeting in Wellington beginning also tomorrow. The national secretary of the union, Mr. C. Hair, said yesterday that the union had appealed to members in local branches throughout the country to give financial help to the men on strike in the Waikato.

Answering allegations reported from Auckland concerning the poll taken at Mangakino when the workers voted by a narrow majority in favour of strike action, Mr. Hair said every precaution was taken to see that all the men were notified of the poll and given an opportunity to vote.

He said that 650 men were at the meeting when it was decided to hold the poll, and subsequently elaborate steps were taken to inform all others. Transport was put on to bring men in to vote from more distant places.

Polling facilities were taken to sick men at their bedsides. All buses coming through were met and any eligible voters informed of the poll. It could not be denied that members were given an ample opportunity to record their votes.

Although there was no actual booth, the men had ample opportunity in the hall for full secrecy in recording their votes. The returning officer supervising was a justice of the peace. Of about 850 eligible to vote more than 700 did so.