WORKERS OBJECT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21243, 14 October 1940, Page 2

WORKERS OBJECT

SAFETY REGULATIONS POWER OF DISMISSAL GOVERNMENT DETERMINATION (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Sunday Building trade workers, at a special meeting yesterday, unanimously carried the following resolution: “That this special meeting of building trade workers takes the strongest possible exception to the iatest emergency regulations, which give the Attorney-General power of control of all trade unions and to dismiss workers from their employment, as a most flagrant attack on the free basis of our New Zealand democracy, and as such not to be tolerated by free men. As free men we pledge ourselves to resist to the utmost the implementation of these regulations. We herewith call upon the Government to at once repeal these regulations.” Prime Minister’s Comment Commenting on the resolution, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, said the meeting, which, he stated, was organised by officials of the Carpenters’ Union, was “obviously another step to oppose, frustrate and sabotage the war effort of the Dominion.” He said the trade union movement in New Zealand was solidly behind the Government in its war effort and he had not the slightest fear of its supporting attempts to disrupt and demoralise the people. “The action of those who are endeavouring to mislead carpenters and other building trade workers at the present moment is additional proof of the necessity for the Public Safety Regulations,” said Mr Fraser, “and if and when the need arises there will be no hesitation in their application.” Federation of Labour The Government had received no intimation of opposition to the regulations from the Federation of Labour, said Mr Fraser, and he believed the organisation thoroughly appreciated the danger and menace to the country in general and trade unionism in particular if a few disaffected people were allowed to pursue subversive tactics. “I feel sure the majority of the members of the Carpenters’ Union and building trade workers do not agree with the attitude taken up by ! a few of their number and are j wholeheartedly with New Zealand : and the British Commonwealth in I the present struggle,” the Prime | Minister said. “Whatever opposition may be expressed, the regulations will be enforced without fear or favour. The Government will govern.”