Strike Ballots.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20222, 5 February 1934, Page 6

Strike Ballots.

Dear Sir,—As a constant reader of your admirable journal I must declare that some of your news reports are somewhat conflicting, not that I am casting aspersions in any way, but I think in many instances your readers must do a little hard thinking and reading between the lines to arrive at the true facts. One of the instances I am stressing is the report—or, should I say. alleged report—of the unemploved relief workers’ strike ballot. You stated * n columns a short time ago that no ballot was taken in Auckland regarding the rebel workers’ strike, and made quit a headline of it. To-night’s report in your paper, m a rather obscure position, states that one was taken and carried by an overwhelming majority of three to one. Must we b-licve your first report or your latest report, or must one think for one’s self? Also, in tonight’s edition (Friday), on a more noticeable page, I read that the strike ballot is a farce, as described by the National Relief Workers’ Union. The latter body’s remarks are headlined by you, and, for what purpose I am puzzled to fathom. It would seem to readers of your paper that the above body is the be-all of the unemployed in New Zealand, which is contrary to fact. The National has nothing to do with the ballot at all. This ballot is taken by genuine relief workers who desire better conditions and are honestly distressed that they are forced to this measure, and will not be influenced by a body who are content to live under conditions comparable with serfdom. Perhaps you will wonder why I should have the effrontery to criticise your paper, but I feel, whether it was accidental or not. you are giving your readers a false impression, and in concluding I wish to emphasis: that this strike is not a farce but a real fight for the right to live as human beings, not as serfs; to be what we fought for and will still fight for—a happy, contented race of people carrying out the laws of that great teaching, the Sermon on tilt Mount.---! am. etc., FED UP.