ONE BIG UNION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27082, 17 May 1949, Page 4

ONE BIG UNION

TRANSPORT WORKERS TRAMWAYMEN’S MOVE PA WELLINGTON. May 16. .The principle of the formation of a union covering all transport workers was endorsed by the National Council of the New Zealand Tramway Authorities’ Employees’ Union, and the national executive was instructed to investigate the possibili' ' of amalgamation with the New Zealand Drivers’ Union as a preliminary step, with the object of having the matter referred back to the membership for approval. The national president, Mr W. B. Richards, who presided, reviewed in his report the achievements of the national union during the years of its existence. Officers were elected as follows: National president, Mr W. B. Richards (Dunedin branch); national vicepresident, Mr E. A. Whitlow (Auckland branch), national secretary and treasurer, Mr P. A. Hansen (Wellington branch). These officers were all elected unopposed. Messrs Richards and Whitlow are now installed in their respective offices for the sixth consecutive term, while Mr Hansen is installed for his eleventh consecutive term in the office of secretary and treasurer. Mr W. Brook, of the Wanganui branch, was elected North Island representative, and Mr L. C. Southon, of the Christchurch branch, was elected South Island representative. Other officers elected are: Delegates to the New Zealand Federation of Labour—Messrs W. B. Richards. W. A. Whitlow. P. A. Hansen. L. C. Southon, and W. F. Rodgers (Wellington branch); delegates to the New Zealand Transport Workers’ Federation —Messrs Richards, Whitlow and Hansen; trustees, Messrs R. E. Smith and F. S Hardgraves (Wellington branch). Other matters decided by the council included delay in the notification of charges in connection with traffic and like offences, the matter of revision of the rules upon which the nationa, executive was directed to obtain further legal advice before referring its report back to the council for approval Erior to being placed before the memership for a decision and instruction delay in the supply of uniforms, heavy • overloading of tram cars, and the operation of trolley buses.