ORGANISED SEAMEN.

North Otago Times, Volume CIII, Issue 13655, 24 August 1916, Page 1

ORGANISED SEAMEN.

-^— » "GEXKRAL SECRKTA-RVS UXPLAXATIOX. (Pit Press Association.) WELLINGTON, August Ti. Tji reply to criticisms and statements telegraphed from Auckland, Mr Young,: secretary of- the'Seamcns.' Union, has asked that the seamens' side of the ease should also be given publicity, Inferring to the question of affiliating with tlie Parliamentary-' party or other body outside the Seameus' Union, he said that no such affiliation can take plaee '"'less the national membership decides in favour by a-plebiscite vote. Regarding extending the term of office of the . general secretary to , three years, the council pass cd no such resolution, but decided to submit the matter to a plebiscite of the whole New Zealand membership. Referring to the centralisation of power, Mr Young said that power was now centralised in ten- persons. The Auckland representatives proposed to vest that pgwer in three persons. Concerning the question of pooling all finances-! this was adopted by the council by a substantial majority. At least So per cent, of the New Zealand membership was in accord with it, liefcrring lo I lie complaint regarding the lack of information of the'busincss done by the i-oiincil, he -said that was not made public in the interests of the seamen. The only reference on the agenda paper lo the Military Service Act was a icmil from Auckland, protesting agaiusl Mr Allen's amendment, thai seamen should sign on transport's for Hie period of (.lie war, and agree to undergo cerlain discipline. Mr Young said he was convinced Ihal lIn? snggcsliuii tliiit Hie imiuii was syiidiealislic. came from outside persons, p'rnmplnl by fho ulterior motive of splitting and weakening the urbanisation. As far as he knew, none of the union officials believed in syndicalism. Mr Young concluded by saying Ihal, Ihe session was exceptionally harmonious. There were no dissensions and ninety per cent, of Hie resolutions were adopted unanimously. |The above statement is in reply to li Press Association telegram from Auckland published yesterday.]