BOTH STUPID AND FUTILE

Taranaki Daily News, 9 November 1932, Page 6

BOTH STUPID AND FUTILE

WAITARA SHOPS ‘BOYCOTT.’

“TRAGIC. BLUNDER IN TACTICS.”

MAYOR OF TOWN yOICES OPINION.

The extraordinary conditions ruling, at Waitara as a result of the freezing works dispute were the subject of discussion at the Waitara Borough Council meeting last night. The question arose when the electric light committee sought a direction whether in certain cases of freezing works employees whose accounts were in arrears the council should enforce the regulation requiring the cutting off of current or grant an extension of time. It was finally decided to allow an extension of 30 days.

Fifteen cases in arrears were considered individually, the electric light committee reported. Three would be cut off, one was held over for further investigation and the case of the others would be further considered at the next meeting of the committee. There were few outstanding accounts, Mr. W. B. Glasgow said, now that the council had decided to enforce the cutting off of the installation if payment was not made. People paid when they were threatened with the loss of current. There were, however, 11 consumers who were formerly very regular and up to time in making their payments but who now were in arrears. They were freezing works employees who were out of work and apparently were not going to pay until they were back in work. Or. Ewens had agreed it' was better to disconnect these people if they did not pay, because they were only building tip their arrears and making things more difficult for themselves. Electricity was not a necessity though it was a great convenience. Cr. Glasgow moved the adoption of the report. If things went on as they were indefinitely the consumers in question would soon have incurred arrears so .great that in the end they would only have to bo wiped, out, he said. The electric light committee sought a direction from the council whether the ordinary procedure should be followed or whether in view of the circumstances an extension of time should bo given. EFFORTS FOR PEACE. The Mayor expressed himself in favour of the suggestion not to enforce the rule to cut off the installation on default of payment of charges in view of the extraordinary conditions prevailing. It was. impossible, however,* for the council to carry these people indefinitely, he said. The council had budgeted for. certain expenditure, and revenue and failure on the part of one section of the community must necessarily impose greater burdens on others. “With regard to the industrial situation prevailing.! wish to say,” Mr. Hine said, “without expressing any opinion on merits or demerits that as Mayor of the town I have been careful to maintain a strictly - impartial attitude. At the same time I have not been idle but have consistently worked to bring about a conference of the, contending parties in order to arrive at an honourable settlement. When the Minister of Finance convened an informal conference at Wellington last week I had. hopes it would lead to a solution, but the conference was abortive. ' “I feel that- it is my duty as. Mayor to refer to the treatment meted out to the tradesmen of the town who are in no way a party to the dispute. Despite any denials it is obvious that boycott and threats of boycott have been used and wanton interference with legitimate business has ensued. This method is both stupid and futile. stupid because its immediate result, is damage io the unionists’ best friends and futile because Messrs. Borthwick and Sons can and* do obtain all the goods they require from neighbouring towns to the serious loss of the local traders. As an example of tactics it is a tragic blunder. I am extremely sorry that the otherwise exemplary conduct ot the men now out of work should have been marred by such actions. Having the welfare of the town at heart I shalNcontinue to spare no effort to bring about a settlement, and any services I can render in the direction of mediation are always available.” , . * . Or. E. A. George expressed the opinion that an extension of 30 days should be allowed for payment of accounts. The adoption of the\ report was carried and it was decided that an extension of 30 days be granted to the 11 consumers mentioned in the committees report.