UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1930, Page 6

UNEMPLOYMENT BOARD

WORKERS’ REPRESENTATIVES. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 24: “There is no difference of opinion between the Alliance of Labour and the Trades Council M to the right of the workers to elect their own representatives,” said Mr W. Bromley, in a letter sent by him to the Secretary of the N.Z. Alliance of Labour,. Mr J. Roberts, regarding the Unemployed

Board appointments. ( Following the publication of an advertisement challenging the Welfare League, the Minister for Labour, the Trades and Labour Council Executive, and other opponents of the just claim of the workers to attend a meeting and hear the verdict of the rank and file, Mr Bromley addressed the letter to Mr Roberts, in which it was further stated: “'Hie challenge cannot therefore be connected with that question. The difference of oninion is apparently due to the action of .-.the Wellington Trades Council in recommending the president and secretary to the affiliated unions for nomination, and also to the action oi myself, in accepting appointment to the. Board. I accept the challenge on behalf of the Trades Council, and suggest that in order that the rank and file may decide with a,--full knowledge of the facts, the question be debated at the meeting between ourselves on the following insolation: — ‘That the action of the Wellington Trades Council in recommending to its affiliated unions the .nominations." $ Messrs W. Bromley and F. D. Cornwell as workers’ representatives' on the Unemployment Board lie unproved, and the action of Messrs Bromley and Mcßrine in accepting • appoint?, ment after nomination ip in thefbest interests of the workers of tjie Do-

minion.’ ” Mr Roberts points out that there was no challenge issued by the Alliance of Labour to debate the question either to Mr Bromley or to am* other person. The advertisement in question. which was inserted by a trade union, and not bv the Alliance of. Labour officially challenged the Welfare League, the Minister for Labour, and the executive of the Wellington TVad.es and Labour Council to attend the meeting and . hear the verdict of the rank and file. That wafi not a challenge to debate. Further, sanl Mr Roberts, although he recognised Mr Bromley’s ability as a debater, lie did not think he was competent to represent the Welfare League, the Governmnot, and the Trades Council in a debate of that kind. .