N.Z. Workers’ Union Secretary Resigns

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31001, 5 March 1966, Page 1

N.Z. Workers’ Union Secretary Resigns

Mr W. A. Dempster, of Christchurch, has been appointed general secretary of the New Zealand Workers’ Union, which will transfer its head office from Wellington to Christchurch.

Mr Dempster replaces Mr! H. J. Allen, of Wellington,! who at a recent management committee meeting, tendered his resignation for health reasons. During the last 12 months Mr Allen has had a serious operation and recently went into hospital. Before he became general secretary on Tuesday, Mr Dempster was president of the union. j

The management committee, at its meeting last week, also appointed Mr W. Whitty, the national vicepresident as acting national president for the next year. During his term, nominations for the presidency will be received from the membership and a ballot will be held. Mr Allen will remain with the union for about two months to help Mr Dempster transfer the head office to Christchurch. Mr Allen became secretary from the ranks of the union in 1953. He also has been chairman of the Combined States Services Organisation’s committee for the last two years, and is a workers’ deputy member of the Court of Arbitration.