ALLEGED VICTIMISATION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8125, 20 May 1912, Page 3

ALLEGED VICTIMISATION

TROUBLE AT MOUNT ALBERT. PEESS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND. May 19. The dismissal of a labourer named Hayes from the employ of the Mount Albert Borough Council led to the- calling of a meeting ot the General ors ? Union. The meeting was held n the Trades’ Hall, and was largely att. n - ed. A charge of victimisation was laid against O’Grady, foreman employed bj the council, who was alleged ... ; procured the dismissal of Hayes withou sufficient cause. - , , • O’Grady- was present, and stated nis case, after which a lengthy and heat^ discussion was held, most of the sp ca ' ers favouring the dismissed man Hayes. Eventually it was decided that a deputation from the union should wait upon the Mayor of Mount Albert (Mr J. Coyle) in order that a thorough inquiry may be secured. Messrs J. Collett, M. Richards, M. O’Brien and M. Ryan were appointed to form the deputation. The opinion was expressed at the meeting that the evidence obtainable radicated a case of victimisation, unless other facte wore placed before the deputation tl» alter this view. It was considered that Hayes had been dismissed because he was a prominent unionist, though it was stated during the meeting that "the borough foreman (Mr Hope) hud said Hayes was a good worker, but had grown fond of stopping to discuss Socialism and Labour matters, and when under better supervision had become insubordinate. Towards the close of the meeting it was frequently stated that the trouble might result in a strike of the labourers. A deputation waited on the Mayor of Mount Albert yesterday afternoon, and It is understood the matter has been amicably settled.