Auckland Watersiders To Change Leaders?

Chronicle (Levin), 20 October 1949, Page 5

Auckland Watersiders To Change Leaders?

AUCKLAND, Oet. 17. National secretary of the Waterside Workers' Union, Mr T. Hill, of Wellington, appears to have been "dropped" by the union ;s Auckland braneh, which has the largest membership. He has failed to seeure its endorsement as nominee for the national seeretaryship for the next two years, unoffieial reports say. This may be significant. In the past Mr Hill has enjoved the confidence of the Auckland branch to the extent of beiiig, its nominee for national office. " But Mr R. E. Joues was given tlie nomination at the monthly stopwork meeting of the branch. The eiection of officers for the next two years is to take place at the biennial eonference of the union, about the end of the ycar. The Minister of Labour (Mr McLagan) has hinted that changes in tho union 's leadership will be made at the eonference. The Auckland branch has nominated Mr H. Barnes for a fourth successive term as national president. It is not known whether opposition will come from others ports. Mr Barnes se.cured the nomination over the branch 's vicepresident, Mr N. Donaldson. Messrs Barnes and Hill were removed by the Government on September 2 from membership of the Waterfront Industry Authority and declared ineligible for reappointment to it or future membership of the Waterfront Commission. Their replacement will have to be considered at the biennial eonference of the union. Six nominees for seats on the union 's national council are being seleeted by the Auckland braneh in a current bailot. .