NO THREAT OF STRIKE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 24, 30 January 1946, Page 5

NO THREAT OF STRIKE

RESENTMENT SINCE VJ-DAY POSITION MIGHT BECOME AGGRAVATED LATER (P.A. Auckland. Jan. 29. Suggestions that R.N.Z.A.F. personnel at Whenuapai contemplated sinking as a protest against their retention in service while their Dakota planes were being used for the internal transport of civilians, were replied to in «n interview this morning by Group Captain C. C. Hunter, officer commanding the air station. Group Captain Hunter agreed that there had been growing resentment ever since VJ-Day, but emphasised that, as far as he knew, there had been no threat or suggestion of downing tools. The position was by no means comparable with an incident last October, when the men demanded an explanation as to why they could not be released immediately. Group Captain Hunter said he had been surprised to read certain newspaper articles, which made it appear that the men at Whenuapai had gone, or were contemplating going, to extremes. Actually there was nothing ensa'ional at all, although "certain chaps" had protested against being kept in. That had been going on since VJ-Day, but there had never been talk of striking. The group captain intimated, hovfever, that the position might become, aggravated later. Many of the men had a legitimate grievance. They were anxious to return to civilian employment. Some had to complete apprenticeships, and the longer they remained in the Air Force, the longer it would take them to become journeymen. Jobs were waiting for them, and they resented being kept in the service, especially as almost six months had elapsed since VJ-Day. Their attitude was understandable. “In all fairness to the men, there

has been no open grousing to any extent, and certainly no move to down tools,’’ he said. “However, it cannot be denied that there is growing resentment. At the same time the men are pulling their weight."