CORRESPONDENCE.

Grey River Argus, 3 November 1928, Page 8

CORRESPONDENCE.

Blackball Miners’ Union. AND THE UNEMPLOYED. / ’ T o the Editor.) Sir, —In ‘he “Argus” of Nov Ist there appears a “fairy, tale” from the pen of oiip R. Graham re the internal affairs of the Blackball Miners’ Union. We will admit at once, without any preliminaries, that there is internal dissension in the Union, which, however the members and officials are well able to deal with—evidently no to the liking of Mr Graham aird his Communist crouie - . It was not our intention to advertise working-class dissension. Obviously a certain element wish to do so. The only people who benefit from the advertising of working-class dissension are the exploiting class. The facts of Sunday’s mec'ing are simply as follows: —The resolution, put forward by five Communists. was: “That men working on the Brunner Track be admitted as members at half the usual fees, and exempted from levies.” This, as stated, was carried by a substantial majority. When the minutes were read a‘ last Sunday’s meeting for confirmation, they were challenged on the grounds that the national, .district, and local constitution definitely provides that the membership shall consist solely of men working in and around he mines. The (’hairman read the rules and stated that it was apparent that he himself had erred in accepting the resolution, in the first place, and that he had no option but to uphold the 1 point raised. This, of course, did not suit tii e Communi-1 element, and violent verbal protests were made. Other members were not allowed to speak. The Chairman therefore had no op* ion ■ but to close th c meeting. The Communist leaders immediately called for a protest meeting to be h<.«l. About fifty stayed behind; of these, not more than 20 were financial members of the Union. The gentleman recently defeated for local President was appointed Chairman, and the chief speechifier was the gentleman recently defeated for Secretary. So much for this unofficial meeting. I am informed that a pathetic resolution was moved, asking thc District Council and the National Council to conduct a solemn investigation into the outrageous con duct of thc local officials. Whether the sentence is to be one of death or deportation, I have no* heard. In view of the position, and aftew consulting with members of the Executive available, we held a meeting of members at the mincmouth on Tuesday, at which fully 90 per cent, of the membership attended. After discussion, a resolu ion was moved and seconded that the meeting si- ,j nd adjourned until 6.30 p.m. that night. An amendment was moved and seconded that we proceed with the meeting, and adhere to the constitu ion re mcniborship. Voting was by division, and resulted rs follows: The amendment was carried by 78 to 76. Sad to relate, for some considerable time at Blackball, and more particularly since a certain element were defeated at 'ho ballot box. the Union meetings have been such that little or no business gets tran acted, and the membership have become disgusted. However, this state of affairs has got to come fo an end on ( > way or the other. The present officials and a majority of the Executive absolutely refuse to be dictated to by the Communists, either directly or indirec'ly. It was thought that tlii' receirt (‘lection would result in affairs being conducted normally. It has become apparent however, that the Communist Party slogan is rule or bur t'. Well. ..o far as we are concern ed they arc going to do neither. Tacics, if necessary, will be met with tactics. Having secured the support of the majority, we are not going lo give way one iota. In conclusion, I may state that, so far as the unemployed are concerned, the Union is doing everything' possible for them; in fact, it is safe fo assert that no other Union in N.Z. has done more for its unemployed than the Blackball Miner ’ Union has. both in regard to securing employment and granting relief 110 out. of 170 having been placed, and the remainder will probably be absorbed by the PAY. Department on < no. Wes* Coast Road within the next three or four weeks. The reference to Roa Mine will be dealt with separately.—l am. etc, W. BALDERSTONE, Secy.