PUBLIC SAFETY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21784, 14 October 1940, Page 6

PUBLIC SAFETY

Implementation Of Regulations Threat Of Resistance Mr Fraser’s Comment By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, October 12. Building trade workers comprising members of the carpenters, plumbers, plasterers, bricklayers, stonemasons and painters' unions, at a special meeting to-day, unanimously passed the following resolution: “That this special meeting of building trade workers takes the strongest possible exception to the latest emergency regulations which give the Attorney-General power to control all trade unions and dismiss workers from their employment as a most flagrant attack on the free basis of our New Zealand democracy, and as such not to be tolerated by free men. As free men we pledge ourselves to resist to the utmost the implementation of these regulations. We herewith call upon the Government to at once repeal these regulations.” Commenting on the resolution, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser said, the meeting, which he stated was organised by officials of the Carpenters’ Union was “obviously another step to oppose, frustrate and sabotage the war effort of the Dominion." He said the trade union movement in New Zealand was solidly behind the Government in its war effort, and he had not the slightest fear of its supporting attempts to disrupt and demoralise the people. “The action of those who are endeavouring to mislead carpenters and other building trade workers at the present moment is additional proof of the necessity for the public safety regulations, and if and when the need, arises there will be no hesitation in their application,” said Mr Fraser. The regulations were not issued by the Government without deep and prolonged consideration and discussions with prominent representatives of some of the parties particularly concerned. The Government received no Intimation of Opposition to the regulations from the National Trade Union organisation, the Federation of Labour, and he believed that the organisation thoroughly appreciated the danger and menace to the country in general and trade unionism in particular if a few d: affected people were allowed to pursue subversive tactics. “I feel sure that the majority of the members of the Carpenters’ Union and building trade workers do not agree with the attitude taken up by a few of their number and are wholeheartedly with New Zealand and the British Commonwealth in the present struggle. Further, it should clearly be understood that whatever opposition may be expressed to the regulations, they will be enforced without fear or favour, and all the necessary steps will be taken toward that end. The Government will govern.”