RIVAL SEAMEN'S UNIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19608, 9 April 1927, Page 14

RIVAL SEAMEN'S UNIONS

CLAIM MADE FOR DAMAGES. HEARING OF CASE CONTINUED. MR. W. T. YOUNG GIVES EVIDENCE [by telegraph.—own correspondent.! WELLINGTON. Friday. The hearing of the case in which James Brennan, an able seaman, claimed £SO damages from Patrick Walsh, seaman, of Wellington, Felix Newfield, seaman, of Lyttelton, and the Welling ton Federated Seamen's Industrial Union of Workers, on the ground that he had been wrongfully prevented from obtaining employment by the defendants' threats, was advanced a further stage in the Magistrate's Court to-day. Mr. D R. Hoggard appeared for plaintiff and Mr. E. P. Hay for defendants. The first witness called to-day was Albert William Wheeler, assistant-general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, who stated that plaintiff had a good record in the company's service. Witness affirmed that a statement was made to him that if Brennan was signed on the Kaimai there was reason to be lieve the crew would refuse to sail, as he was not a member of the union and was ineligible under the preference clause. Both Unions Recognised. Replying to Mr. Hoggard witness said the company recognised both unions—in fact, treated them as one. He had had dealings with Mr. Young for some years and considered he was an experienced man in respect to the organising of labour. In further examination witness said he had heard there would be an attempt to intimidate Mr. Young' followers. .. Mr. Hoggard: Where did that irifor mation emanate from ?—Mr. Young: Himself. William Thomas Young said he had held the position of secretary to the seamen's organisation for 28$ years. Last year there wore three local industrial unions of seamen registered in New Zea [and and he now held the office of general secretary in the federation and also secretary to the Wellington Jocal union. All members in New Zealand, who were financial on the books, irrespective of the local industrial union, were eligible to vote for the position of general secretary. Results o! the Ballots. Mr. Hoggard: So that the members of the Auckland and Dunedin organisations were eligible to vote for the officers of the Wellington one? —Yes. Mr. Hoggard: What was the result of the first ballot ?—There was a majority of 385 in favour of withdrawal. Mr. Hoggard: Why was the second ballot taken?—A quibble was raised by Auckland that the ballot paper was not in form and the council decided to take another one,. That closed on January 31 and resu/ted in an overwhelming majo rity, 633, in favour of deregistration The total number of votes was Bio. The object of deregistration was to enable one union to be formed, the name of which had been suggested as "The National Federated Seamen's Union of New Zealand."

Mr. Hoggard: In the meantime a certain amount of dissension had arisen among the men.—My knowledge was that it arose among the officials, not among the men. Mr. Hoggard: What information did you receive about the formation of the new union ?—I was informed by the registrar of industrial unions that he. had registered the union at 12.30 p.m. on January 25, with 50 members. Ejected from .Office. Mr. Hoggard: What happened to you on the new union coming to life? —A number of men came to my office, evidently the advance guard, and later on Mr Walsh came along, followed by the mem hers of his alleged commission. Another 40 or 50 men followed them and it was a case of one man, myself, against the lot. I was asked to hana over the keys to Mr Walsh and to get out.. I declined to do either and Walsh's vigilance officer commenced to put his hands in my pockets. Mr. Hoggard: J do not think we want all the details. Briefly you were put out?— Yes.

Referring to the Kaimai case witness mentioned that Newfield, in reply to a question, said there was rto objection to Brennan signing on if he changed' his . number., which meant ho should resigu from the union and join the new organisation.

Mr. Hoggard: Did Newfield say what would happen if Brennan did not chance his union and went on the Kaimai? —He said he thought the men would not take her to sea.

Further hearing of the case was ad journed until April 28.