OWN MEN FIRST

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 650, 30 April 1929, Page 13

OWN MEN FIRST

Tramway Employment PREFERENCE TO IMMIGRANTS N.Z. Association’s Charge /"’OMPGAIXING that preference of employment was being V> given to immigrants by the Auckland Transport Board, the New Zealand Natives Association protested strongly to the board at its meeting this morning. The discussion raised by the association’s letter turned largely on the definition of a New Zealander, the chairman. Mr. J. A. C. Allum, being of opinion that anyone was entitled to such classification who was either horn here or who had lived and worked in the Dominion for some time.

JpOLLOWING is a letter from the association on April 14: “I have been directed to ask you if it is the intention of your board to recognise the rights of New Zealanders in regard to employ in the transport service, or if they intend to follow the lead of the management under the City Council, and still give preference to immigrants and ex-naval men. “We were told on a number of occasions that there was no preference shown, but from experience found that the statement was not correct, and that preference was given to immigrants and ex-naval men. “We consider that our own people, who own the tramways, should have the privilege of working them and that outsiders should not be employed while so many of our own are unemployed, and in distress, as we contend there are just as good men among us as those imported, if not better. “You are going to ask us shortly to sanction a* large loan, we will no doubt do so, yet we have not the privilege of working on the undertaking fgr which we grant power to raise the loan. “We therefore ask that, in future, all things being equal, that preference be given New Zealanders, both in the tramway service, and also on the extensions to be undertaken.” QUESTION OF SUITABILITY Mr. A. E. Ford, manager of the transport system, replied in these terms: “In reply to your question it has to be understood that the suitability of an applicant for the work offering is the important thing and while I feel I cannot directly state that preference will be given to New Zealanders I can say that the spirit of the last paragraph of your letter will be adopted.” This is what the secretary of the association then had to say: “I regret to say that I cannot accept Mr Ford’s reply as a reply to my letter, which was addressed to the secretary of the Transport Board, and not to the general manager, and being so addressed, in the ordinary course should come before the board in open meeting. With all due respect to Mr. Ford, we know from previous experience his attitude in the matter, and therefore cannot accept his reply as that of the Transport Board. "I therefore respectfully ask you to bring my letter before the members of the Transport Board, and let me have their reply as I cannot accept on behalf of my association a reply which to my mind is only a camouflage and an effort to evade the question.” Mr. Allum moved: That the letters be received and the whiter notified that in engaging staffs the suitability of the applicant for the work offering is the primary consideration. Mr E. H. Potter moved as an amendment that the mater be referred to the board-in-committee. SNEER AT MANAGER Mr. G. Ashley expressed the view that the essence of the position was contained in the words, “All things being equal.” He agreed that New Zealand workers should be given preference if qualified men. "The writer on behalf of the association sneers at Mr. Ford, and I don’t think we should r.eecive that portion of the letter,” remarked Mr. Ashley. “The manager is quite qualified to report and reply. I don’t like the tone of the association’s ’ complaint.” Mr. F. S. Morton claimed to be a New Zealander, and knew well the feeling of many New Zealanders in the service. Not long ago nine inspectors

were appointed and only oge was a New Zealanders. Further, one of the appointees had only been in the country for two years. “If that state of affairs is going on,” he declared, “is it any wonder there is discontent among New Zealanders in the board’s employ.” Mr. Allum said he felt sorry that there had been so much discussion on a question relating to to staff. Personally I am not interested as to what a man is as long as he can do the work. I regard a New Zealander as one born in the Dominion or one who has lived and worked heer for some time.” All the inspectors were New Zealonders. Not one had landed and got job with the tramways straight off the boat. ' NO DISSENSIOI. “There is no dissension within the service,” Mr. Allum said emphatically. “The only dissension is engendered from outside. Any man who thinks himself unjustly treated has the right of appeal, and no man has appealed.” Mr. Morton: Because they can’t get a hearing. Mr. E. J. Phelan said the letters were prompted by an action of the City Council some years ago when the naval authorities approached the council asking what could be done for 40 sailors who had completed their time. Only men living in the board’s area should be employed. Mr. A. J. Entrlcan thought Mr. Phelan’s suggestion might be carried too far and might be dangerous. Suitability of an applicant should be the primary factor. Mr. Morton: They get no chance. Mr. Entrican: I think the difficulty is often ' that they get too many chances. NEW TO MR. ALLUM Mr. Allum said the point about the naval men had only recently come to his notice. That was done with. Whether it was right or wrink he did not know. The amendment was. defeated and the motion agreed to. Mr. Phelan’s proposal was then revised and adopted in the following form: If the forthcoming loan poll is carried workers will not be encouraged to come from outside the board’s district and consideration will be given to claims of workers living within or adjacent to the board’s district.