MINERS' UNION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27166, 23 August 1949, Page 4

MINERS' UNION

ELECTIONS TO-MORROW PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY COMMUNIST CANDIDATES SEEK OFFICE In the light ,of recent events in Australia, the elections to-morrow for officers of the United Minewdrkers’ Union of New Zealand will be interesting. The present president, Mr A. Prendiville, of Nightcaps, is opposed by Mr R. H. Mitchell, of Greymouth, the chairman of the West Coast District Committee of the Communist Party and the Communist Party candidate for Westland at the forthcoming parliamentary election. The present secretary of the union, Mr F. Crook, Kaitangata, is opposed by Mr D. G. McCrae, Ohpra, an executive member of the Communist Party. Both Messrs Mitchell and McCrae unsuccessfully sought office last year. This will be the fourth occasion on which Mr McCrae‘has stood for the office of secretary. Messrs McCrae and Mitchell are both candidates for selection as the delegate of the United Mineworkers to represent the union in Australia early next year. There are also four other candidates. They are Messrs W. Purdy, Dobson, a member of the National Council of the union; G. Orman, Miilerton, also a member of the National Council; A. McGougan, Blackball, secretary of the Blackball Miners’ Union; and I. L. Tyler, Ngakawau, secretary of the Stockton Miners’ Union.