DISGRUNTLED FEW

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 134, 3 December 1938, Page 10

DISGRUNTLED FEW

AUTHORS OF STRIFE

MR. SEMPLE'S PLAIN WORDS

MOST WORKERS LOYAL

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, This Day,

"It is time that disgruntled minorities in trades unions woke up and realised that in fomenting stupid, comic opera strikes over trifles they are enemies to themselves, to their unions, and to their country," said the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) today when he- referred to the appeal being made by the Government for the co-operation of all sections of the community in an effort to increase production.

The spasmodic strikes that had been experienced, he said, did not come from the majority of the members of the unions, 90 per cent, of whom were loyal to their country and to their calling. The strikes over trifles came from a disgruntled minority which wanted the most for the least effort. Such an attitude could not and would not be tolerated by the Government that was doing a job to help New Zealand. "I do not want my words to be interpreted as an attack on trade unions." he went on. "I am not indicting unionism, nor attacking loyal workers, who fortunately are in the majority. I am seeking, as one who has been through the mill and suffered for his principles, to give some advice to those short-sighted individuals who cannot see that by the attitude which they adopt they are damaging unionism and destroying their own rights.

"It may be said by my critics that the author of these words at one time took part in strikes himself. My record will stand investigation, and it will show that big issues were at stake when I was engaged in strikes. In those days unionism was outlawed, and so were the men who joined unions. Today the conditions have been revolutionised. Unionism has been recognised and has been given its rightful place in society. A Government that is friendly to the workers is in power. It will do its best to improve their standard of living, but it also wants the workers to play the game."