UNION ORGANISER

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21968, 21 May 1941, Page 4

UNION ORGANISER

Appeal Against Armed Service Dismissal By Board (PA) AUCKLAND. May 21. A union organiser, Trevor John Potter, appealed against military service on the grounds of public interest at a sitting of the Auckland area manpower committee to-night. Evidence was given by several union officials who emphasised the importance of the work being done by the reservist. The appeal was dismissed. The committee comprises Messrs L J. Goldstine (chairman), S. Takle, and T. F. Anderson. The appeal took the form of an application for a rehearing. It was stated that the reservist was liable for home service for the duration of the war. A great deal of legal argument took place before the committee decided to take evidence without prejudice to the question of a rehearing if that was decided upon. Representing the Auckland District Labourers’ and Related Trades Union, Mr Haigh stated that the reservist had been employed as organiser to that union for the last 12 months, and he had previously held a somewhat similar position with the New Zealand Workers’ Union. He had become skilled in his duties, which were to see that the terms of awards and agreements were carried out and to deal with and settle disputes. The reservist had settled a considerable number of disputes and had brought about amity between employers and employees. He submitted that this type of work was of considerable importance at the present time. The reservist, in evidence, said that union organisers required several qualifications. “We have the Labour Department to see that awards are carried out,” said the chairman “They come in only as a last resort in disputes,” replied the reservist. “The department seldom settles disputes in country districts." “Do you say that the interests of the workers would not be protected if you were called on to do military training?" asked the chairman. The reservist said this was so. “Then you say that the Labour Department cannot handle these matters?" added the chairman. “I must confess the utmost surprise that if it were not for union organisers these matters would not be brought before the department.” The reservist said he could bring evidence to prove that organisers policed awards and not the department. The Crown representative, Mr Harris, quoted a letter dated May 7 from the secretary of the union. T. Stanley, stating that the reservist was no longer to its employ. The reservist admitted that there was internal dissension in the union. It was pointed out by Mr Haigh that the reservist had been dismissed by the union in March, but he did not admit this was rightfully done and he had since been reinstated. Support of Union “Every branch to the province and the union as a whole have supported my appeal to-night.” said the reservist. Mr Harris said the appeal must be taken as purely a personal one. “Are you a member or did you ever belong to the Peace and Anti-Con-scriotion League?” asked Mr Harris. Mr Haigh protested about the relevancy of the question, but the chairman allowed it. saying he presumed it was asked to ascertain the sincerity of the reservist’s appeal. “I was a member of the League at the age of three and have been a member of the Labour Party since birth.” said the reservist. “With the bringing in of conscription, the League, so far as I was concerned, was out of the question.” “I consider it is definitely in the national interest so far as our union is concerned that the reservist should remain in his position,” said E. F. Bradley, president of the union. “If you get a bad organiser you get strikes and lock-outs everywhere.” Evidence also was given by L. G. Matthews, secretary of the Drivers’ Union. “Are you a member of the Communist Party?” asked Mr Harris of the next witness, C. L. Moore, secretary of the Carpenters’ Union. “Definitely not.” replied witness. “Why have you done everything possible to expedite the return of Australian carpenters to the Commonwealth. Is that assisting the New Zealand war effort?” asked Mr Harris. “We have assisted members of our union to return to Australia,” replied witness. “It is Australia’s war effort as well as ours and these men are ‘ ustralians.” “The committee cannot find any reason for non-servlce.” said the chairman. “It thinks the reservist should go to camp. The application for a rehearing is granted and the appeal is dismissed?’