UNION SNUBS UNION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8182, 25 July 1912, Page 1

UNION SNUBS UNION

MORE TALK OF HELL CHARACTERISTIC FEDERATION LANGUAGE. A DIGNIFIED REPLY. SPECIAL TO THE, "TIMES.'’ AUCKLAND. July 24. Correspondence of a rather extraordiary nature has recently been changing hands between the Auckland and Suburban Local Bodies Industrial Union ol Workers and the Canterbury Builders and General Labourers’ Industrial Union of Workers. The Auckland organisation was formed some months ago, when a general strike was regarded as an imminent certainty by tnose who were no’, sympathetic with the aims and objects or the Federation of Labor, with which body the Auckland General Labourers Union had affiliated.

in breaking away from the latter union and registering as a new union under the Arbitration Act, the 150 men who became members of the Local Bodies Industrial Union were aware that they were laying themselves open to considerable criticism, but in approaching the Curistchurch men it was not. anticipated that trouble would follow as it did. The controversy arose when the 'secretary of the new union at Auckland (Mr I). Kellehor) proceeded to communicate with various kindred unions, asking for copies of their industrial' agreements or awards, so as to assist tho Aucklano union in framing a log to form the basrs of a new award under the Arbitration Act. To this request caine, an astonishing reply from the general secretary of the Christchurch union (Mr A. Paterson!, as follows: Your letter to hand re conditions under which we are working. ‘ I have 'been instructed to reply, and ask you would you kindly send the names and addresses, together with photographs if possible, of each of your members, so that should we meet in hell wo can avoid them, having no time for blacklegs, either dead or alive. The Auckland union has not taken the Christchurch union’s letter meekly, and in a long letter which the corresponding secretary (Mr F. R. Bust) has forwarded in reply, it is pointed out that the southern union's'reply was regarded as being as incomprehensible as it ’was insulting. ' We • applied to you (continues the letter) thinking that, like ourselves, you were genuine unionists. The

tone of your letter indicates that you belong to the' fast-dying body known as the federation of Labor. ’ The Wmest British laborer and true unionist is a loyal citizen - of his country, and maintains its laws, particularly when those latys are instituted at; his : request and for the especial fprdtection of the' -worker. • It is a matter for deep regret that those who are traitors to the- cause of the real workers should have been tolerated by an over-indulgent Government. ■ All fair-minoed workers admit that-the country's laws must bo observed, and where 1 they are found to. work inequitably they must assise to eradicate the. defects. If our laws are unsuitable, help to improve them. My union was organised at about tne same time as the Waihi Winders' and Drivers’ Union, despite many obstacles, with this purpose in view, and for mutual protection and mutual help, and to teach our members reason, truth and justice. They aro men of their word, and realise that tne creature who preaches “To hell with agreements” is a person devoid of principle, unworthy of the notice" of honest men.

The letter- concludes -with a warm attack upon the Federation 1 Of Labor, and declares that members. of that organisation do not realise what the federation is doing, or where a great proportion of their hard-earned money goes to,, ride the balance-sheet published on June 21st last.