BALLOT WANTED

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 35, 25 February 1937, Page 8

BALLOT WANTED

•Pres> Aasociation.)

Re-organisation of Freezing Industry MINISTER'S REPLY

.By Teiegr*ph— ]

INYEECAEGILL, Laat Night. The suggestion that the time was ipportune for a re-organisation of the freezing industry jbhroughout New Zealand was made by Mr 8. Harland, a member of a deputation of freezing, workers who waited on the Minister of Labour to-day; He said the majority of the men desired a larger oxganisation and a South Island union. There was a minoiity of the men in each shed Who favoured the resuscitation of the old Southland and Canterbury. Union, but he felt th.at the interests of the majority should be met. . It was de-l sired that the Minister should providei a ballot on the question. ,The regiBtra-i tion of the Ocean. Beach anS: Balclnthaj unions had been grahted but they foundl that . these had insufficient power. What was required was a stronger organisation of all South Island workjers. The men were squabbling among libhemselves and it was desired that they jghould have an opportnnity to become •united. The Minister said the Govemment was in an impossible position. The unions had been registered and established by law before the Government .came into office. The Government was not responsible for their existenee. He had Stried as far as possible to unite the industry and have the hatehet buried. It was not customary for the Labour Department ifco take a ballot as provision was made by law for a settlement of differences. However, he was anxious for unity in New Zealand and he would work for that object, but he' was not sure what he could do to bring about the objeetive of the deputation. The Government would try to finalise the matter and, if neeessary, the Depazttneni would even tsfee a baHofe