THE METHODS OF A TRADES UNION SECRETARY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 924, 17 September 1910, Page 10

THE METHODS OF A TRADES UNION SECRETARY.

Sir,—The secretary of 1 the Furniture Trades Union,"Mr. Moriarty,' has been making! considerable noise ' about the Labour Department not doing its duty towards r the union he represents! During an interview which a deputation from the" union had with the Prime Minister, he charged, the Department with "dishonest 'actions in: connection with proceedings instituted by the union against firms in Hawke's Bay," and' added: : "At any tribunal you like to set up we will prove pur charge." I don't know who the secretary meant by "we," but as a" member of the union; I wish to say that''such-a'charge should' not have been made, as there is no evidence' of any importance to support it. A trades union should act honourably, and.. any secretary who . takes /it upon himself to, make rash-.statements of this, kind abuses his, position. So far as Hawke's Bay is concerned; the' secretary might take a lesson': from the inspector, here, who is a hard-work-ing, earnest official, doing his duty/ honestly, and. without bluster, and thereby scandalising his profession. Mr. .Moriarty has tricia to block inquiry into .this matter, even to the extent of denying me information • that every member of the union is entitled to un-der-ite--'rules. : This I consider' most unfair, as the charge lie made was of such a serious nature' that," if proved, every' union in the country would be justified in .cancelling ! its '- registration ■'and allowing-' the; Labour Department to die' a natural death. I find that Mr. Moriarty ; himself , has not assisted tbe Department .as ' -he ' should, /have done,! and' that: the'_ best way to evade the award is by' joining • tho union. 1 believe tliat master tradesmen —employers: of labour —find shelter, under 'its wing,' and- tliat no questions are asked so long as you pay your subscription. The secretary will correct me if I am mistaken. So long! as Mr. Moriarty was in favour with the Minister, Joi Labour, he endeavoured to make things appear,! rosy from a Departmental point, of view; but noW tho' scene is changed,, tho Department , and all its relations (ire anathema.—l. am 1 , etc.', , . A. E. ADAMS. Napier. - ■ , • ' •!-''-. v-