TRADES COUNCIL IN REPLY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 112, 15 May 1941, Page 6

TRADES COUNCIL IN REPLY

ELECTION ALLEGATIONS INTIMIDATION DENIED VERSION OF A DELEGATE’S ACTION (Press Assn.) Wellington, May 14. Commenting on allegations by Mr. H. L. Nathan, Citizens' Party candidate for the Wellington Harbour Board, that he had been intimidated by five trades union officials the Wellington Trades Council to-day gave its version of the affair.

It said that on Friday Mr. Nathan was reported as having made a very vicious suggestion to the effect that Labour Party candidates who were also trades union secretaries would not carry out their duties impartially as they had to bow to the dictates of the unions.

"Mr. Nathan was exceedingly careful not to refer to any individual candidate,” the statement says. “Had he done so the necessary steps would have been promptly taken. Only a baseless and ambiguous charge was made. The utter unfairness of Mr. Nathan's statement and its complete absurdity will be apparent to every fair-minded person when the important part trades unionists and officials are taking in the present conflict is borne in mind.

“His statement, caused resentment among trades unionists. The matter went beyond local politics and was a grave reflection on the integrity of a large section of the community. It was felt that it the statement had been made without Mr. Nathan fully realising the unfairness of it and without regard to the actual facts an opportunity’ should be given him to act uprightly after hearing representations.

“With his consent an interview was arranged to suit his convenience,” the statement proceeds. “Two delegates were lo have seen him but in the interim the resentment had grown and three others attended. Mr. Nathan told the interviewers he would not listen to any comment on the report nor any protest regarding it. He imperiously ordered the representatives from the room and acted in a most high-handed manner. In anticipation of the fact that Mr. Nathan might probably act in this manner, a written protest had been prepared and this was read to him, despite bis repeated interruptions. He then calmed down sufficiently to enable the representatives to attempt to reason with him.

“He was requested either honestly to admit that he had spoken hastily or unfairly’ or to openly and publicly accuse any Labour candidate of malpractice so that the matter could be cleared up in a Courl of law, Mr. Nathan refused to adopt either course and was then thanked for the interview and the delegation left.

“There were no threats of force. It. was fell that a sense of propriety and fair-play would lead Mr. Nathan lo right a palpable wrong, but unfortunately this was not so. Apparently the episode has been circulated in a distorted form. “It is obvious that it was to this interview that the Mayor, Mr. 1. C. A. Hislop, referred in a rather sensational and darksome manner. It is apparent he desired to cloak the matter in an air of mystery, withholding the facts and placing an entirely wrong construction on the affair. “We welcome any inquiry and we suggest that Mr. Hislop should concern himself with correcting the untrue and fictional statements of his colleague rather than to attempt to use it to his advantage ” the statement concludes. “Since FriVy he has had an opportunity of checking up on the facts but has failed to do so. He rather chooses to make capital from unfounded rumours and use them by’ innuendo.” STANDS FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH LABOUR REPRESENTATION COMMITTEE WILL NOT TOLERATE INTIMIDATION (Press Assn,) Wellington, May 14. Replying to statements alleging intimidation by trade union officials ol Mr. H. L. Nathan, Citizens' Party candidate for the Wellington Harbour Board, the Wellington Labour Representation Committee made the following statement: “It is hardly credible, in view of the Labour Representation Committee’s attitude to freedom of expression and speech that supporters of the Labour Party would adopt the tactics alleged. It is regretted that the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, and other Citizens’ Party candidates, were not more specific in their statements. The Labour Representation Committee could then have investigated the matter and replied. “In view of the circumstances the Labour Representation Committee cannot answer the statements as they are not aware of the circumstances. If the statements made are correct and the facts are as stated, then the Wellington Labour Representation Committee dissociates itself from the actions of the persons concerned. The committee has stood, and does stand, lor the freedom of the individual and would not tolerate the alleged actions for one moment.”

Tustin will give his final address. Mr. A. E. Halligan, chairman of the Citizens’ Committee, will preside, and in addition to Mr. Tustin, Mrs. A. K. Maclean Board), Messrs. B. M. Silk" and E. W. Merewether (City Council), F. O. Bridgeman (Harbour Board), and Hugh C. Jenkins (Power Board), will address the gathering on behalf of all the Citizens Committee candidates. The committee has stated that it will be impossible tc reserve seats at to-night’s meeting and electors are requested to be in their seats not later than 8 p.m., at which time the meeting is to commence. The doors of the Opera House will be opened at 7.30 p.m.