Postal Officers’ Ballot

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1922, Page 2

Postal Officers’ Ballot

STATEMENT BY HON. COATES.

[by TELEGRAPH—PER rREBS ASSOCIATION]

CHRISTCHURCH, March 27. Some important comments on 4j question of the ballot to be taken Post and Telegraph officers regarding their joining up with the Federation of Labour, were made to-day by the Postmaster-General, Mr Coates who said: “I am rather loth to make any reference to the matter, as it is a question which the officers or a certain section of the officers, have taken up themselves; but I think it might be advantageous for me to giv e m J r views. There is no doubt in my mind that the desire for such a ballot is not by any means unanimous. Indeed, I feel certain that if every officer who is entitled to vote exercises or her right, the result will be entirely opposed to any affiliation with the! Federation of Labour. It fa therefore incumbent on every officer to see that his vote goes in. What would be the position if the ballot was in favour of the One Big Union? It .would mean that the activities of a large public service, such as the Post and Telegraph Department might be—to some extent—interfered with by the officials of a La hour,, organisation in the event of trouble arising from the movement that is taking place. I feel quite confident that there is a sufficient number of thoroughly loyal officers -to enable us to carry on the ttervice. The proposal of the Post and Telegraph Officers’ Association to join up with One Big Union is one that the people of the country will never agree to, and I believe it would be a very serious mistake from a Post and Telegraph point of view. That is not the serious aspect of the question. We all know that the officers are pledged to secrecy, and 1 am pleased to say that up to the present the service can be r e lied upon to maintain that oath, but what if the Post and Telegraph Officers’ Association was part and parcel of One Big Union? Could the Government and the administration rely upon each officer, in the event of any extreme action on the part of the Federation of Labour? The question is sufficient in itself to suggest that, for the good of the country, as a whole, the joining up with One Big Union is entirely wrong. If the good work of the Association’s executive for years past is now to be shattered by presentday proposals, urging affiliation with a body whose conditions and ideals, are in no way similar to those of the Post nind Telegraph Officers’ Association, the position will naturally have to 1)6 reconsidered by all concerned. I should perhaps, remark here for public information,” concluded the Minister,, <4 that included in the list of officers entitled to vote, there are approximately 800 message boys and message girls, varying in age from 14 to 16 years,' and many junior officers, varying from 10 to 21 years, who, I might'be permitted to say, are not in a position to judge for thertiselves the correct way ! to record their votes, and therefore should not be permitted to record it. I I would just' like' to' say it is most . unfortunate that the question of taking a vote has been decided upon, and j as I believe the voting takes place i within the next few days, I trust J every officer entitled to vote, will do SO.” ' . 1