METHODS CRITICISED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 94, 23 April 1940, Page 6

METHODS CRITICISED

EIRE BOARD S COMPLAINT ACTION OF UNION OFFICIAL PALMERSTON N.. April 19. Criticism of the action taken by the secretary of the Wellington-Taranaki-Nelson Fire Brigade Employees’ Union. Mr. L. Glover, was voiced by the Palmerston North Bire Board. With its staff depleted owing to enlistments. the Hawera Fire Board lemporarrly engaged a brigadesman from Palmerston North wfto was on extended leave, but on a visit to Hawera. The union secretary threatened the board and the fireman concerned with prosecution unless the arrangement was terminated. The Hawera brigade superintendent pointed out that, while an Act had been passed to permit a fireman doing duty at the Centennial Exhibition while on extended leave, any community which found its fire-fighting personnel seriously depleted due to war conditions had to remain understaffed, with the consequent risk to life anci property. “It ’is unwarrantable interference with the rights of man.” said the chairman. Mr. A. Mansford. “Here was a fireman on leave who was willing to help another brigade out. but the secretary of the union interferes. I think it is about time the Government was told of the activities of some union secretaries. I do not think any Court would uphold this particular secretary’s action.” It was decided to bring the matter under the notice of the Minister.