Meeting in Uproar

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 6, 22 January 1937, Page 6

Meeting in Uproar

-Press Association.)

UNION FACTIONS Chairman Declares Business Closed

OPPONENTS IN CHARGE

(By Telegraph-

AUCKLAND, Jan. 21. There were stormy scenes at a special meeting at the Trades Hall last night ofi the Auckland and Suhurban Labourers' Union. During a five-minutes uproar a member of the union was standing on a table in front of tbe cbairman, Mr J. Sercombe, gesticulating wildly and sbouting at tbe other members. The chairman declared the meeting closed and, with the secretary, Mr Bernard Clews and over 50 supporters, left the halL The meeting was called to consider a notice of motion to amend the rule which provide-s that the treasurersecretary shall be the returning officer for all ballots save those connected with his own office, for which tho president or some other member shall act. The amendment sought to provide that the secretary-treasurer should not act as. returning officer but that the latter be elected by the members. It is stated that after the meeting was declared open a ' representative of a certain faction alleged to be endeavouring to secure control of the union 's aifairs moved an irrelevant matter. The chairman pointed out that only the notice of motion could be discussed. The speaker deelined to resume his scat, and when asked to leave the meeting again refused to comply with the chairman 's request. Several others attempted to make . thcmselves heard. . Uproar ensued. The chairman declared the meeting closed. Aboiit 100 members remained, appointed- another chairman and held the meeting. The se'quel was that three members visited the secretary at his office and demanded to see the books of the union and the' members' register. Mr Clews advised the men to forward their request in writing. The union has a membership of 1600. It is anticipated that future meetings will be largely attended.