Support On Casting Vote

Northern Advocate, 3 September 1947, Page 6

Support On Casting Vote

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. This Day. A vote of 43 for and 43 against endorsement of the Government's strike ballot legislation was returned after nearly three hours discussion at a special meeting of the Wellington Trades Council last night. The vote was recorded on a show of hands after several counts. When the result was announced, the president«■ (Mr F. P. Walsh) gave his casting vote in favour of the legislation.

He declared the motion of support carried, although he was challenged by several delegates, who claimed that only the returning officer, and not the president, nad the right to record a casting vote. The Auckland branch of the Seamen's Union, at its monthly stop-work meeting yesterday, decided to support the principle of secret ballots. Meetings of seamen at Wellington and Lyttelton also supported the principle by large majorities.

SHOP ASSISTANTS’ VIEW The New Zealand Shop Assistants’ conference, yesterday passed unanimously a resolution supporting the secret ballot bill. A resolution also passed opposing the proposal to appoint deputy judges of the Arbitration Court, the view being taken that the same functions could be carried out by conciliation commissioners with the right of appeal to the Arbitration Court against the commissioner’s decision being given either dissatisfied party. The association considered that conciliation commissioners were much better infermed on industrial matters, more particularly as in the subjects under discussion they had the advantage of having assessors from both sides ‘Sitting at the table and could get the benefit of their first-hand knowledge. NINE TELEGRAMS Nine telegrams of protest against the secret strike ballots proposal which the Minister of Labour (Mr McLagan) said in Parliament last night were all signed by the same person, were actually from various job meetings of the Auckland Carpenters’ Union according to a statement today by the Carpenters’ Union secretary (Mr R. Stanley). Stating that his name was signed on each telegram which was normal procedure, as he was secretary, Mr Stanley added that all nine protests were made by union members at various meetings held on the jobs. Mr Stanley forecast increased opposition to the secret ballot proposals. Support for the legislation is given by the Auckland Tailoresses’ Union in a resolution passed at a union meeting. A copy will be sent to the Prime Minister. Northland Snooker Championship The Northland snooker championship tournament is progressing with games each evening. Latest results are:— F. Leisman beat J. Waterworth, 65 36, 62—34; B. Snooks beat S. Smith, 62—57, 58—48; R. Andrews beat F. Smith. 55—26 66—30; M. Brott beat H. Arden, 73—11, 57—21.