A.S.R.S.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1929, Page 5

A.S.R.S.

DISAGREEMENT IN RANKS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, July 29.

Following a disagreement in the ranks of Auckland branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, a meeting of the branch oil Saturday evening broke up in disorder. A foreman at the railway station and a policeman were called in, whereupon the chairman, J. Mouton, and others left the meeting. The trouble was the result of a resolution passed a month ago to suspend the Secretary (Mr S. H. Keen) because it was alleged he failed to carry out instructions from the branch relating to appoint a certain member as collector for the Society’s magazine.

At a subsequent meeting Mr J. Mcllvride (General Secretary) stated that the action of the branch was out of order, but a resolution was passed confirming the resolution previously passed. A further meeting on July 20th was closed by the chairman, the president of the branch, when his ruling in connection with the Secretary’s position was disagreed with. About sixty members attended a meeting last Saturday night. Mouton asked J. Cameron, who had been appointed secretary temporarily to read the minutes. This met with disapproval by some members, whereupon Mouton proposed that Cameron be appointed secretaiy. This met with an adverse vote. Cameron read the minutes and the Chairman refused to accept a motion that they be not confirmed. He asked Mr Keen to vacate his position at the table.

An uproar followed with an attempt to reach the books and papers in Mr Keen’s possession, which he refused to give up.

The foreman of the station was called in by one faction, while the other sent for a policeman.- However, the chairman and others left the meeting and another chairman was appointed. The meeting was addressed by members of the Executive Council of the Society and a committee was appointed to meet representatives of the other factions and endeavour to arrive at an amicable settlement.