N.Z. LABOUR FEDERATION AND NATIONAL SERVICE

Grey River Argus, 2 October 1948, Page 8

N.Z. LABOUR FEDERATION AND NATIONAL SERVICE

Watersiders 7 Opposition is Deprecated

P.A. WELLINGTON, October 1. In a circular issued to District Trades Councils and affiliated unions, of the New Zealand Federation 01 Labour, the President of the Federation, Mr. A. W. Groskery, and the Secretary, Mr. K. McL. Baxter, said the National Executive of the New Zealand Waterside Workers’ Union had openly stated that it proposed to defy the decision of the National Council oi the Federation. The circular referred to a resolution by the Waterside Workers’ Union executive, received by the Federation executive two days after the Federation Council meeting in Wellington was addressed by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, on the international situation and the problem of national defence. The Federation Council had then directed its executive to convene a conference of affiliations should the circumstances warrant it, following Mr. Fraser’s return. “The National Executive and National Council trust that each affiliation and each Trades Council will loyally abide by the decision of the National Council,” states the circular, which then refers to the following resolution forwarded by the Waterside Workers’ Union executive: “We view with concern the attitude of the National Council of the Federation in accepting the position that the Prime Minister will decide when a conference will be held,” The circular added: “Such conduct on the part of an affiliation is contrary to the constitution of the New Zealand Federation of Labour and we feel sure will not be tolerated by affiliations.”

Socialist Students Issue Statement

P.A. WELLINGTON, October 1. A statement by the victoria University College Socialist Ciuo defending ns demonstration against conscription (in which a wreatn was laid un the war memorial) nas been published. in it the club said several bodies henl tne same opinion on conscuiption, among them the Second iN.z.u.l''. Association, and the AxKoyal Naval Men's Association. The secretaries of these bodies denied that their organisation held like views.

“Speaking lor our members, I would advise this college socialist club to go and preach their ideas and ideals on conscription to Joseph Stalin,” said Mr. B. R. Bain, secretary of the Wellington branch of the ExRoyal Naval Men’s Association. "My association, representing exservicemen of World War Two, is undeviating in its loyalty to the British Commonwealth ol Nations and vigorously supports any defence policy scientifically conceived and dedicated to the defence of democratic freedom,” said Mr. Reg. Childs, Wellington branch secretary of the Second N.Z.E.F. Association.

Auckland Gas

Workers’ Attitude

P.A. AUCKLAND, October 1. Auckland gas workers overwhelmingly voted against compulsory military service at the annual general meeting of their union. Speakers said peace-time conscription was a totalitarian edict irreconcilable with democratic government.