Strikers’ Discontent

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 662, 14 May 1929, Page 9

Strikers’ Discontent

NEW UNION NOW MOOTED Move Against Extremists (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) Received 10. a.m. SYDNEY, Today. RUMBLINGS of discontent within the ranks of the timber strikers are becoming- increasingly manifest. The workers are considering- whether they should apply for the de-registration of their own union and the registration of a new body embracing the volunteers and the men who refused to strike.

An alternative proposal is that an agitation should be started in the old union for the removal of the extremists who have gained the ascendancy. It is pointed out that the chairman of the Strike Committee, Mr. Kavanagh, is the owner of the “Communist Weekly,” the policy of which is to foment strife and industrial trouble. General regret is expressed by the strikers that they did not remain at work. The members of the Disputes Committee realise that they are engaged in a losing fight, and are looking for a scapegoat.

A telegram from Melbourne says the employers’ representatives have decided to inform the Premier, Sir William McPherson, that no good purpose could be served by holding a further conference with the strikers* representatives. The terms already offered by the employers, and rejected by the men, are as generous as can be made After refusing the Premier’s request for another peace conference, the Employers’ Disputes Board asked that the Government should ensure police protection if they reopened the mills with volunteer labour.