EX-STRIKERS ACTIVE.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1957, 14 January 1914, Page 8

EX-STRIKERS ACTIVE.

i WHAT IS THE MOVE? *; SILENT BATTLES BEING FOUGHT. ;.' ANOTHER REQUISITION. - It is evident that a certain sectioVof net tt'f'V '°, llr ° mmhcn of th° ion Wharf Labourers' Union are endeavouring to cause a split in tho ranks DoJivioi"" , ' Umo "- S P eaki "E t0 " srfikei, «ho was'a prominent member of the old union wUli decided Arbitrate Vl m S ' ? >d u that lle understood 1 ll' T eh th °, ° ld " niou ™ 3 officially dead, yet they still had an executive ot aboib 20 members. Ho stated that a largo number of wharf labourers were paying threepence a week towards a fund tho proceeds of which wfth Jf^e*: 0 *" 1 -'" various directions vu,» i e -° J?ct . ot t:e °P in e «iho "Hcd , E ."i''"S m thc "civ union. It was also stated that a considerable number or ex-strikers had joined tho new union with tho solo object of outvoting the legitimate arbitrationists, and thus obtaining control of tho new union's tunds as well as placing their own membare in office. Continuing, tho ex-strik-er said that tho old union was in debt, and he , instanced two liabilities which would take fully £750 to £780 to liquidate. The now set of band instruments cost £700, and just previous to the striko the old union had bought a new set of books,, which, cost about £G0 or £70. It was obvious to him that a certain section of the workers on the wharf were doing their best to gain control of tho new union's finances, and when this was accomplished the money which the new union lias in hand would bo expended in the direction of paying off tho moneys owing on tho band instruments as well as the books, and other articles. It was recognised, that tho present executiyo would not expend money in the direction of purchasing tho articles named, but if the old union commanded a majority on tho new union it was suggested that they would utilise some of the funds for that purpose. Another Requisition Received. On inquiries being made from tho executive of tho new union last evening it was ascertained that in addition to the alleged requisition, which was found on the floor, of the office on the afternoon of the adjourned' meeting in X Shed, another requisition had been received per registered letter-post yesterday afternoon. The first requisition was for a special meeting of the union to discuss tho following:— (1) The finances of tho union. (2) Organisation of tho union, present, past, and future. (3) Any other business of the union that is likely to affect its nipmbers. . . ' , Tho requisition received yesterday read as follows: — "Secretary, Wellington Wharf Labourers' Industrial Union of Workers. In terms of Rule 20 of tho above -union's rules, we, the undersigned six members of the above union do hereby request you forthwith to convene a special meeting of the union, the business to bo transacted as for the purpose of considering tho following resolutions: — "(1) That a committee be appointed of three members of the above union to take charge of tho union's books and subject them to a thorough investigation and to report to a meeting to bo subsequently held. "(2) That pending the completion of such investigation the president he instructed to suspend tho present secretary and his_ assistants from duty, and that two acting secretaries bo nominated at the meeting to bo appointed, such acting secretaries to hold office for Mich period as tho union in general meeting may decide , ." Tho requisition is signed by seven exstrikers. The "Red Fed" clement is still strong, and from what can be gathered they aro doing their best to get their followers into the iiotv union. For ininstanco, yesterday six men presented transfers from other unions at tho secretary's office. They were asked to produce their books, and each man gavo the same excuse for not having a book in his possession They said that "tho books had been burnt."

When the executive of the new union were, asked if they could give any information as to when the special meeting would be held, they replied that the matter was under consideration.

In reference to the above, it is interesting to note that Rule 15 states:— "Any member of tlio executive or any officer o£ the union may be removed from office by vote of the majority present at a meeting of the union expressly called for the purpose- of considering such removal. Such vote shall bo taken by ballot, and fourteen clear days' notice in writing of the intention to move for the removal of the member shall be given by the secretary to all members of the union."