“UNITED WE STAND”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26349, 2 January 1947, Page 6

“UNITED WE STAND”

Sir, —I feel bound, as a member of the Dunedin branch of the New Zealand Tramways Union, to comment on the statement made to your paper a few days ago by a motorman, of years of experience, who is described as a " moderate element.” At the outset I would say that the action of the person responsible Is nothing less than' that of a “fifth columnist ” in the union, as he is endeavouring to shatter his fellow-workers’ chances of better conditions. I attended the shift meeting held on Monday, 23rd inst. when an overwhelming majority of tramwaymen commended the action of the union president and executive on the way in which they handled the recent dispute. Our president (Mr W. B. Richards) gave every person present an opportunity to speak, and only two voices were against the executive's action. I don’t know where this person conceived the idea that the men were dissatisfied with the president’s action. A great majority of the men consider the action of the person who made the statement as grossly unjust and unfair. I have been a member of the union a long time now. and I am proud to say that this union helped me over a great many difficulties when I returned to civilian life. I am also proud to be connected with any movement under the leadership of Mr W. B. Richards. Let me conclude by saying that I believe in a man being a man. so I hope this person, if he has any spark of democracy in him, will withdraw his statement, which was quite contrary to fact and one which he had no authority to make. —I am, etc., “ Trammie.” Dunedin, December 30.