UNEMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 February 1931, Page 2

UNEMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR.

(To The Editor.) Sir,—Messrs. Flood and Fulton, speaking their little piece at the unemployment committee meeting, neglected to tell the whole truth. Is it not a fact that every big question that confronts either of these two they are tonguetied until they are instructed by telephone or telegram what to do. It is time both these gentlemen took a hack seit. These salaried officers made a slogan that the rank .arid file must be consulted, and when representatives are wanted my own union (the Carpenters’ Union) was the only one that called the rank, and file to discuss the question. Fancy Mr. Fulton calling his rank and file together! His method of conducting the various unions under his secretaryship for years has been a joke to old unionists. The Waitara Freezing Workers’ Union, a good militant union, were invited to send a representative. They selected Mr. Ewans, who promptly arrived to do his bit. The Workers’ Council were asked weeks ago and no reply.- Apparently “Big Jim” wired “No?’ And when eventually Mr. Flood does arrive he tells the committee a fanciful story. Are we unemployed carpenters to submit to this treatment? We are affiliated to the Workers’ Council. Mr. Flood is secretary of the Council, and we are entitled to a fairer deal than he is giving us. I have done carpentering on ships, and I know the great majority of. watersiders are good, decent unionists. They resent the few Bolshies who try to run. everything. I have them complain on ships of an individual cornering them with a crossword-puzzle. We have heard “Jim” Roberts during the last week-end. Thank heavens he does not represent the Labour party. The only solution of our difficulties he could offer was to pay no more debts. Henry told some good stories. Mr. Roberts reminded me of tfte bald-headed chemist selling hairrestorer. I would suggest if the rank and file get another chance the selection to pick from the following names: Messrs. Thome, Fleming, A- Williams,

Stansfield, Clancy, Fitzpatrick. They are all honest and sincere.—l am, etc.; MACLAUGHLAN.