UNION PRINCIPLES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 13 June 1939, Page 9

UNION PRINCIPLES

ITo The Ed j tori Sir,—ln the isue of “The Mail’’ dated 9th June a corespondent under the nom de plume of ‘Union Musician’’ aired what he thinks b a breach of the New Zealand Workers ‘ Union’s principle, in as much as the Tahuna Branch secured the services of a non-union band for their dance on 7th June.

With regard to the above I would point out that the breach as complained of i s , iu fact not as bad us “Union Musician’’ would have the general public or those directly concerned to believe. There were two members of the Blue Hills Band at. the Tahuna function on the night stated and for the benefit of any persons concerned both and all members of the Blue Hills Band are financial members of the New Zealand Workers’ Union. Surely “Union Musician’’ will be failenough to understand that any member of the above union or any other society is justified in giving his or her services free gratis in an endeavour to further the better interests of the unior or society i'i which he or she may be interested Judging from “Union Musicians’s’’ remarks, I take it that he is voicing the

opinion of his union collectively, and also that the Musicians’ Union is more concerned with personal gain rather than a body working in harmony with other branches of the N.Z.W.U. for the best interests of all concerned.

W ith regard to the action of the Blue Hills Band let me point out that in fact they are not an organised dance band; more so in fact, they are a party of players who from time to time come together when called upon or even when the opportunity arises to offer their services in the interests of charity or any such deserving function, absolutely free of charge so that those concerned may derive the full benefits from their efforts. Now,Sir, at this juncture 1 will bring under your notice an episode in the Blue Hill Band's activities probably unknown to your readers. Some months ago the Tahuna, Sunshine Club had organised a series of dances, the proceeds of which were handed over to the Crippled Children's Fund. The Blue Hills Band offered their services free gratis as usual and until the Musicians’ Union officials interfered, good work was done on the funds’ behalf. As a result of the union’s interference the dances at Tahuna for the Sunshine Club’s donation to the Crippled Children’s Funds ceased and with its demise went at least some few pounds which in all would bring a smile to the face of one or more of our less fortunate little ones who after all are every thinking person's responsibility.

According to the rules and regulations set down by the N.Z.W.U. which affects ali branch unions throughout New Zealand, provision is therein made whereby 1

any individual may belong to one or two unions at the same time but no person may receive remuneration from two sources and under two awards at the same time, nless lie he short of tho actual workig hours per week on what would be his set occupation. Therefore, I ask "Union Musician," in view of the fact that all members of the Blue Hills Band have full time jobs under the N.Z.W.U. award, how does lie imagine that any cf the band's members would be liviim up to tile conditions of the award if "they joined the Musicians’ Union and held down two jobs? In view of the above it would he interesting to know just how many of the local members of the Musicians’ Union are nal true blue unionists. In conclusion Sir. we thank you for space and point out for the benelit of those concerned that (lie Blue Hills Band will stand by the Tahuna branch of the N.Z.W.U. or any other in-

free gratis providing the proceeds are going to assist in some way the community in general. While we as a party of individuals giving our services to good causes in general, whether they be political, union or other institutions free of charge and above board and out in the open, we even deplore the use of a nom de plume. On behalf of those sufficiently interested in our argument. —I am etc., A. IN WOOD. I Nelson, 10th June.