STYLED PROPAGANDA

Chronicle (Levin), 22 October 1947, Page 5

STYLED PROPAGANDA

Press Association)

(Per

WELLINGTON, Oet. 21. Whoever was responsible for the story originating in Auckland and blaming the watersiders because numbers of food parcels were not put aboard the Rangitata on Saturday evening, had insulted the unionists and misled the community, said a statement .issued this afternoon by the New Zealand Waterside Workers' Union in the names of Mr. H. Barnes, president, and Mr. T. Hill, secretary. They expressed the thanks of the watersiders to Mr. G. L. Tait, Auckland manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company, for his announeement that the union did not

issue an ultimatum to • the Rangitata crew not to work the ship on Saturday. evening. " It is only f air to pay tribute to the company for the prompt action in exonerating the watersiders. It is unfrortunate that those responsible for the report which must have brought the union into contempt, did not observe similar standards of fairness. It is already evident that publie eriticism of the watersiders had occurred and is a sorry commentary that reproaches against the union were based on a myth. ' ' Despite provocation, the union leaders said the watersiders would continue to play their. part in aiding Britain. The statement said some people were prepared to exploit the Aid for Britain campaign for propaganda against the watersiders and it was difficulty ±o. imagine anything less ethical. At all times, the statement said, the facts of tlie- proper arrangement for working the Rangitata were available to a -sincere inquirer and the facts in no way | reflected on the union which regarded the attack as part of the campaign against the union and based on ulterior motives.