MEN MISLED

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1932, Page 2

MEN MISLED

STRIKE AGAINST ADVICE

MR A, ,T. COOK’S DEFENCE,

(By Press 1 Association)

WJCLUN’GTQN, May 11

On hehulf of the officials at the Trades Hall, Ma' A, J, Cook stated this evening that the action taken by the striking relief workers in assembling in Upper Cuba Street had been in direct opposition to the advice, of the Labour officials' and Labour Members of Parliament. “The men were led into the melee by irrespoffeibles and Communists, only to get knocked about,” said Mr Cook. “The responsible officials at the Trades Hall did everything possible to stop them.”

Mr Cook added that the Labour officials formed a Committee, including the, relief workers’ delegates, nnc! set about discussing the position, but among the strike leadens appointed to the Committee were Messrs Kelly and Sand ford, who urged an immediate, decision on the one-day strike question, and announced their intention of assembling the strikers. Mr Kelly wa.s told definitely that the, Labour representatives could not in any way com- ! mit the industrial organisations, and he and Sandford were advised not to attempt to hold meetings of relief workers and the unemployed. The two delegates ignored this warning, and called a meeting of the men. As far’as the one-day strike question was concerned, said Mr Cook, the replies of the Unions had not vet been received or considered and nothing j definite had been decided upon.