THE UNION AT KUNTLY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15233, 21 February 1913, Page 5

THE UNION AT KUNTLY.

NOT A HAPPY ; FAMILY.

[froh OtTB OWN! CORRESPONDENT.] • HtrNTir, Thursday. An open-air meeting hold at the railway gates under the auspices of the old, or federation union, was addressed by Messrs. •J. Fulton, ex-president of the old union, and J. Mellings, who, "with seven others, have received notice from the Taupiri Company that their services were no longer required. The theme of tho speeches was .allege*! victimisation on. tho part of the company, which was accused, of discharging men on several occasions since November last because they had given utterance to their opinions. Another meeting was held in the King's Hall, convened by the Arbitration Union. •Mr. S. Smytho presided over an attendanceof some 300, and a lively meeting was anticipated. . After the reading of the minutes the anticipations were realised, an amendment to the- motion approving of the minutes evoking considerable criticism of the action of the executive", who, it was stated, in Their haste to have the rules registered, failed to bring 'them before the general body for confirmation, _ and, therefore, rendered them not binding. Time after timo tho mover and seconder of tho amendment were called to order, the chairman pointing out that the rules and the confirmation of the minutes should not bo confused, and that if objection was mado to any rule notice of motion to rescind or alter such rule could bo given, and the matter discussed at a future meeting. The correctness of the minutes or otherwise, he insisted, was before tho meeting, and should bo dealt with. Several speakers persisted in forcing a vote on tho amendment. As those present insisted • on the amendment bt-ing put to tho vote, the chairman declared tho meeting closed, and, with the secretary and a good many others, loft tho hall, tho latter taking tho books with him. It was suggested that, although the chairman' and secretary had gone, the meeting should continue, and discuss the. present situation and'the question of victimisation among others. Mr. Mellings was appointed to tho chair, and a secretary. pro tern elected. The action of the executive in the formation of the now union did not meet with tho approval of those left—about 200. Tho meeting was considered, «■ victory for the supporters of. the federation of labour. Amonff matters that would have come before the meeting was a notice of motion to tho effect that the union (arbitration) be dissolved. Owing to the impasse, no business was done, and the complexion of affairs now looks serious. Mr. S. Dixon, secretary of the now union, stated that his executive had taken legal advice on the question of dissolving the union, and their solicitor had stated that such action would not only be illegal, but might carry with its adoption the penalties as tabulated in the industrial agreement. ' - ■ ,■ , . . Mr. Robertson, M..P. for Otaki, is expected to address an open-air meeting . here shortly. *■» i