First State Miners’ President

Grey River Argus, 11 September 1940, Page 9

First State Miners’ President

LTo the Editor! Sir,—My attention has been drawn to a letter appearing in your paper of 30th August, 1940, written by A 1 Georm. English, in which n e denies a statement mad e by the Hon. M> Semple, Minister of Public Works, that h e was the first President or the State Miners’ Union and took a prominent part in its formation. I came to this country with Ml Semple, and was working with him in the State Min e at Runanga when the Union was formed and was at its first meeting. The notice to convene the meeting was posted by th e late Mr John O’Laughlin. Mr Semple was appointed President of th e Union at its first meeting and Mr O’Laughlin was appointed Secretary. Mr Semple and Mr O’Lpughlih drew up the first agreement that gave the Union a proper status and the men rights and privileges that they were hitherto denied. In those days there was not even a chqpk weighman looking after th e men’s interests and the average wag e was very low. Mr Sempl e worked strenuously for the Union without any reward, because there were no funds in the Union for many months after it was formed as the contribution was oniy 3a per week. . Mr Semple held the position until he left and went driving tunnels on the Midland Railway Line. I am not sure whether Mr Thomas Hilton oi Mr Arthur Bird held th e Presidency after Mr Sempl e left. On his return from the Midland Railway, Mr Semple soon became President again and held that position until he was appointed President of the Minors Federation, which he took an active part in forming along with th e .Hon. P. C. Webb and Mr P. H. Hick’.O. This was subsequently merged mto the Federation of Labour. Mr Semplp was then appointed Organiser and Mr Webb took hi s plac P as President. I thought it only fair, since Mr English has mis-stated the position, that these facts should b e , published in the interests of veracity. I am pfc. w. -AMBURY. 53 Hawker Street, Wellington.