UNION FUNDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 290, 8 December 1939, Page 8

UNION FUNDS

INVESTMENT PROPOSAL REJECTED SHOP ASSISTANTS MA KF STAND HEATED DISCUSSION AT MEETING

1 Ter Press Association J WELLINGTON, Dec. 7. A strong determination to have a voice in its own affairs was shown by the rank and file of members of the Wellington Shop Assistants’ Union last night, when an exceptionally stormy meeting developed from the proposal to invest. £2OOO of the union funds in a proposed Labour daily newspaper. After heated discussion, with occasional pandemonium, the proposal was overwhelmingly rejected. According to members present the meeting was a special one called for the purpose of discussing this specificsubject. Some time ago a general meeting decided to invest £2OOO as proposed and at a later meeting, a notice of motion was tabled to rescind the decision. Last, night's meeting was then called. Resentment, was aroused by a paragraph in a circular i .eu cu.ii.ng the meeting and threatening to impose a fine of one shilling on every member who did not. attend. It is estimated that there were 400 to 450 present. One speaker who supported the proposal was counted out and a vote of no-confidence was passed in the chairman, who left the chair, but was later allowed to return. It was alleged at the outset that the meeting was unconstitutional. The executive had been instructed by a previous general meeting to fake a postal ballot on the question, but had neglected I his on the grounds that it would cost

£BO. Many spoke at once, and the loudest voices were heard when the chairman attempted to speak. There were cries of “Hitlerism; What, do you want a newspaper for? You already have control of the radio.” Later the chairman, when he saw that the meeting was overwhelmingly against the proposal, announced that he thought now was not the time to establish a Labour paper. It would cause such a depletion of sterling funds to buy £50,000 worth of machinery that the Government would be embarrassed. Finally a motion to rescind the resolution was put, and with a show of hands was overwhelmingly carried. When these happenings were referred to the union secretary, Mr. W. H. Croskery, he said the meeting was a good one, well attended, well conducted and everybody obeyed the chair. It was full of interest and everything was thoroughly discussed. He declined to discuss the business for which the meeting had been called, but when told that stormy proceedings had been reported, he simply commented, “That is not true.” More than that he would not say.