N.Z. WORKERS’ UNION

Grey River Argus, 13 August 1937, Page 6

N.Z. WORKERS’ UNION

GREYMOUTH BRANCH MEETING. At the annual meeting of the Greymouth branch of the New Zealand Workers’ Union, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:— President, Mr. Jim Conaghan; VicePresident, Mr. J. J. Haddock; Secretary, Mr. Wm. Wallwork; Committee, Messrs Wm. Bassett, Wm. Robinson (Cobden), Wm. Hamilton, Costello, Crosley, Cordue. The meeting passed a vote of confidence in the National Council officers, National President, Mr. R. Eddy; also Mr. A. Cook General Secretary, and Mr. W. Coppersmith organiser; wishing the Union every success ! in the coniing season. The meeting nominated the following officers: —Mr R. Eddy—and, Mr. A. Cook, for the respective position in the 1938-39 Ballot: Mr. R. Eddy for National President, and Mr. A. Cook for General Secretary. Messrs Wm. Wallwork and J. conaghan were nominated as executive delegates for the 1938-39 Ballot, two i representatives being allowed for in this year’s representation. A suggestion was put to meeting from Buller district to appoint one for Buller and one for Greymouth. After discussion it was decided' that it was a rank and file vote and that every member had a right to vote for whoever they considered suitable and competent for the office. The Buller suggestion was' carried. Hokitika and South Westland would come under the same ruling, a delegate for eacn district and the rank and file vote which is national for all members. All districts can nominate candidates for delegates for the West Coast district.

Several matters were brought forward in the course of general business.

It was decided to approach the Minister of Public Works- concerning matters of transport for men on Public Works Department jobs, also concerning new works in the district. Letters were read from' Mr. J, O’Brien, M.P., dealing with important activities in the district, and regarding prospective works. The meeting greatly appreciates the activities of Mr. O’Brien M.P.

Mr. W. Wallwork, executive officer, and delegate for the West Coast gave a brief report on the second conference and spoke on interesting matters concerning the welfare of the members and the suggestion in view of getting alterations in the agreement, mainly wet time concessions, camp allowance; also a new agreement for maintenance men and an increase in the standard daily rate of pay. He stressed the necessity of supporting the local Labour papers, the “Grey River Argus”; also the "Standard” to keep in the foreground Labour legislation and Labour activities.

A vote of appreciation was passed to Mr. Jim Fisher who resigned from the office of president. The meeting expressed appreciation of the valuable work which he had done for the workers during his term of office. Votes of thanks were also presented to the other officers who did not stand for office again.