Watersiders’ Elections At Auckland Likely to be Keenly Contested

Grey River Argus, 25 March 1948, Page 8

Watersiders’ Elections At Auckland Likely to be Keenly Contested

AUCKLAND, March 24

With the issues broadly divided between the militant and moderate elements, the annual election of officers of the Auckland branch of the Waterside Workers’ Union being held this week by secret ballot, are expected to be keenly fought. Great interest is being taken by members, who regard the election as an important phase in the national struggle between the two .groups for union control. It is not expected that the results will be known until after Easter. The Auckland and national president, Mr H. Barnes, is being opposed for the branch presidency for the first time for eight years, the other candidate being Mr J. Connor, a member of the union’s national council. A strong challenge to Mr A. Drennan for the office of vice-presi-dent is being made by Mr N. Donaldson, a member of the Auckland executive and a national councillor. Mr Drennan is the national and branch vice-president and is also chairman of the New Zealand Communist Party. The present secretary, Mr R. E. Jones, is being challenged by a representative of the more militant faction, Mr D. Cameron. Six candidates are offering for three union seats on the Auckland Port Committee. They are Messrs J. Collins. li. Barnes, R. S. Belsham, F. McNamara. A. Drennan and N. Donaldson. The present members are Messrs Drennan and McNamara, with Mr Barnes acting as a deputy. Three candidates, Messrs W. W. Mo-

Lean, A. Sinclair and A. J. Dufty. are offering for the post of union walking delegate now held by Mr Sin- < clair, and there are four nominations for the position of bureau officer, Messrs A. J. Green. F. Williamson, C. M. Walker and F. Jackson. Mr Jackson is the present holder of the oflice. Thirty-nine nominations have been i made for the nine seats on the branch executive.