LABOURERS UP IN ARMS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1444, 20 May 1912, Page 4

LABOURERS UP IN ARMS.

COMRADE'S DISMISSAL. (B? Telegraph.—Preeß Association.) Auckland, May 13. The dismissal of a labourer named Raves from the employ of the Mount Albert Borough Council led to tho calling of a meeting by tho General Labourers' Union. The meeting was held in'tho Trades Hall, and was largely attended. A charge of victimisation was laid against Mr. O'Grady, the works foreman employed by tho council, who was alleged to have procured tilo dismissal of Hayes without sufficient cause. Mr. O'Grady was present, and stated his case, after which a. lengthy end heated discussion was held, most of the speakers favouring the dismissed man Hayes.

Eventually it was decided that a deputation from the union should wait upon the Mayor of Mount Albert (Mr. M. J, Coyie) in order that a thorough inquiry might be secured. Messrs. J. CoH.ett, M. Richards, 31. O'Brien, and 31. Ryan were appointed to form the deputation. The opinion expressed by the meeting was that the evidence obtainable indicated that it was a case of victimisation. Unless other facts were placed before the deputation to o.lter this view, it was considered that Hayes bad been dismsised because lie was a prominent unionist, though it was stated during the meeting that the borough foreman (Mr. Hope) had said that Hayes was a good worker, but had grown fond of stopping to discuss Socialism and labour matters, and, when under better supervision, had become insubordinate. Towards the close of the meeting it was frequently stated that the trouble mnght result in a strike of the labourers.

The deputation waited on the Mayor of Mount Albert yesterday afternoon, and it is understsod'that the matter has been amicably settled.