Hamilton Firemen Object to Joining Union

Grey River Argus, 29 October 1948, Page 8

Hamilton Firemen Object to Joining Union

HAMILTON, Oct. 28 Fifteen volunteer members of the Hamilton Fire Brigade handed in their resignations to the Hamilton Eire Board at a meeting to-day. All the resignations were worded as follows: “We the undersigned, tender our resignations from the Hamilton Fire Brigade as volunteer members and will hand in our equipment to the Superintendent on November 30. This action is being taken as, we understand, we are to be compelled against our wishes to join the Fire . Brigades’ Employees’ Union.”

In his report to the meeting, Superintendent A. Craig said that the position that had now been created in Hamilton was a most serious one, inasmuch as the maximum turnout strength to an alarm would be only one officer and five men. Some days one officer and only four men would be available. “Under these circumstances,” said Superintendent Craig, “I cannot accept any responsibility for the results which may accrue.” The chairman, Mr T. G. Reynolds, then moved that the full facts relating to the serious position which had arisen be communicated to Mrs Hilda Ross, M.P., and Mr A. C. Baxter, M.P., with a request that the strongest possible representations be made to the Government to take urgent and immediate measures which would enable an adequate fire protection service to be maintained for the citizens of Hamilton and adjacent areas. “The responsibility now must be placed on the Government,” he said. The resolution was carried, as was one moved by Mr H. D. Caro, that the volunteer firemen be requested to delav their resignations until the Arbitration Court makes its announcement.