FEDERATION OF LABOUR'S PROPOSAL

Chronicle (Levin), 2 April 1949, Page 6

FEDERATION OF LABOUR'S PROPOSAL

• Press Assoeiation)

(Pe j

WELLINGTON, April 1. A proposal that a secret bailot should be conducted among Auckland carpenters to *' determine whether tliey are , in favour of the present policy of their officials was made in a letter sent by the executive of the Federation of Lahour today to the national secretary of the New Zealand Carpenters' and Joiners' Union (Mr. R: Stanley). This proposition was made in reply to a request from Mr. Stanley for the executive 's views on the registration of the breakaway union at Auckland. The Federation 's letter said the de- • ■ « *** registration of the carpenters' union at Auckland was the result of the union 's refusal to hand over the dispute to the Federation. The executive of the union was, therefore, responsible by its own actions for a section of the membership of the union seeking to break away. The Federation suggested that a secret ballot be taken immediately among members of the Auckland branch of the union on the officials' present policy. So that there could be no doubt about the validity of the ballot it was suggested that it be conducted by an impartial btffiy, and to that end the Federation offered its services. ' • In "a' Pres$* statement the Federation said at his request the national executive of the Federation of Labour rflet" Mr. Stanley on Thursday, and Mr. Stanley stated the purpose of his presenee. Before the executive had evexi considered his representations, and without retiring he asked for an immediate decision by the national executive respecting the proposed registra tiou of a union comprised of carpenters not satisfied with his conduct of their affairs. The president (Mr. A. W. Croskerv) said it might be necessary to obtain information from the Auckland Trades Council, following which the national executive would be ln a position to give 1 a reply.