AN UNFORTUNATE UNIONIST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9488, 18 April 1894, Page 5

AN UNFORTUNATE UNIONIST.

A PITIFUL CASE.

[by telegraph.—press ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Tuesday. At a meeting of the Benevolent Trustees to-day, meution was made of a case which came before the trustees lately, of a local baker. This drew forth a statement from the President of the Bakers' Union, to the effect that no member of the Union had applied to the trustees. The wife of the man who came before the trustees stated that her husband had been a member of the Bakers' Union, but for the past twelve months had been unable to obtain more than a few weeks' work. The man and his wife and family were reduced to starvation, and pawned everything they possessed, including bedding and clothing, to secure food. As the man was unable to continue his subscription of 6d per week to the Bakers' Union, he was struck off it's roll of membership,having first been continually worried by the officers of the Union to pay arrears, which he was unable to find. The chairman said it was surely an extraordinary action on the part of the union to expel a man who could not pay for that reason, and so prevent his getting work. Mr. Heaton said there might be some explanation. The other trustees having spoken of the harshness of the case, it was decided to redeem the woman's bedding . and necessaries, »nd allow her two weeks' : rations.