GUILD PROGRESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22412, 7 May 1936, Page 16

GUILD PROGRESS

LOCAL BODY OFFICERS AUCKLAND ORGANISATION OVER TWO HUNDRED MEMBERS RIGHT OF APPEAL PRINCIPLE Although formed only in September of last year, the Auckland District Local Government Officers' Guild is already a strong organisation, with a membership of 210, and a sound basis has been established for its future satisfactory progress. In the first report to bo presented at the first annual general meeting to be held to-night it is stated that the guild draws its membership from the local bodies in tlio aiea extending between Helensvillo and Papakura. Reference is made to the relationship of tho guild to local bodies with a view to securing tho full support and co-operation of the various local bodies, with benefit to tho local bodies themselves, and particularly in the interchange of idea_s whereby officors may discuss matters of mutual interest. It is stated that members themselves may expect to benefit directly as the executive will carefully watch legislation affecting interests of all or any section of officers. Dominion-wide Question It is stated that the executive has interpreted the rules to allow of "all officers of local bodies who are not eligible for membership in an industrial union" as being eligible for membership of the guild. The right of appeal is described as a vital matter affecting the position of all local body officers in the Dominion and it is claimed that it is fundamental to the security of a local body officer that he should have a statutory right of appeal against dismissal, disrating and reduction in salaries.

So far as local government was concerned, the only rights of appeal were the statutory provisions affecting tramway employees and there seemed no logical reason why other sections should not have similar safeguards. The executive had brought this matter under the notice of the Municipal Conference held at Napier and the conference resolved to support and endorse the principle of local body officers having tho right of appeal by statute. The matter was now being taken up with the Government. Arbitration Amendment Bill

The report mentions the inauguration of a members' cash discount scheme and states that consideration has been given to the establishment of a group assurance scheme, without additional cost to the individual, providing for the protection of members against loss, assistance if necessary to Eay premiums and sick and accident enefits to all participating members as well as financial assistance in needy cases.

Members have been concerned about the possible effect of the passing into law of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Bill now before Parliament, and at the annual meeting to-night an address will be given by Mr. W. R. Tuck, a recognised authority on this subject, on the principal Act and the proposed amendments.