MINERS' UNION AFFAIRS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16051, 18 October 1915, Page 5

MINERS' UNION AFFAIRS

DISSENSION AT WAIHI.

NO - CONFIDENCE MOTION.

[BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Waihi, Sunday. A special general meeting of the Ohinemuri Mines and Batteries Union was held on Friday night to consider certain proposed amendments to the rules. The president, Mr. A. Parry, presided. The business on the order-paper was not reached, as, at an early stage, Mr. A. Butler, the ex-president, moved a vote of "no confidence" in the present committee. This was seconded by Mr. R. Polkinghorne.

The discussion which followed indicated that the supporters of the motion were opposed to the committee's proposal to dismiss the secretary, Mr. H. Pulham, who, the former contended, had carried out the duties of his office satisfactorily. It was also inferred that some of the members of the committee were in sympathy with the Federation of Labour, and opposed to the arbitration section of the union. After a somewhat heated argument, the motion was adopted by 83 votes to 77.

The chairman thereupon announced that the committee would resign, and that a fresh election would be necessary. He added that he -would' again seek office as president.

The old union, known as the Waihi Trade Union of Workers, through their solicitor, made a demand on the present union for £100 10s for rental of the Waikino Miners* Hall for some 2$ Years at 15s per week. Tt was decided, "without prejudice, to offer £55 5s in payment of the claim.