The Onekaka Condemnation

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 159, 8 July 1938, Page 4

The Onekaka Condemnation

N.Z. Workers’ Union Takes Vigorous Exception “MUCH NEEDED NATIONAL INDUSTRY” Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. With reference to a statement of alleged Australian views concerning tho Onekaka iron and steel project made by Air. C. C. Davis at Christchurch, (he annual conference of the New Zealand Workers’ Union to-day passed the following motion:— “That this national.confcrence of tho New Zealand Workers’ Union, representing 30,000 workers, takes exception to the remarks published by Mr. C. C. Davis, of Christchurch, regarding State enterprise and Onekaka and desires to suggest to this gentleman that he ard not the project is ‘a huge joke.’ Wo affirm that With loyal and efficient v.ikers anu capable administration, of which Mr. Davis has no monopoly, the Government’s action in safeguarding for our people for all time this valuable asset and thus creating a much-needed national industry, is in me best interests of the people of New Zealand. “We further pledge our loyalty and co-operation to the Government to bring to a successful fruition this enterprise, and we express the opinion that where private enterprise has failed a people’s Government will succeed.” The motion was introduced by Hon F. E. Lark (Auckland), and seconded by Mr. J. C. Leckie (Timaru), who stated that Mr. Davis’ remarks were obviously a propagandist attempt to discredit the Labour Government, The conference carried the resolution bv acclamation.