ABOUT A NEW UNION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1073, 8 March 1913, Page 3

ABOUT A NEW UNION.

WORDS BETWEEN PREMIER AND LABOURITES.

Wellington, March 6

This afternoon a deputation introduced by Mr J. Robertson, M.P., from the miners at Huntly waited on the Minister for Labour (the Hon. Mr Massey) and asked for an inquiry into the recent formation of the new Huntly Miners' Union, and alleged victimisation ot men who had been concerned in labour troubles in that district. It was contended by the deputation that the new union was brought into existence illegally, and that the registrar had not complied with the Arbitration Act.

Fulton, one of the speakers, asserted that when the secretary of the new union applied tor the registration of its rules they were back in the hands of the secretary the day the union registered. “ Now,” he said, “ there had been some speedy work. We hold documentary evidence that you, as Minister for Labour, were pushing the matter through.” Mr Massey: “kindly produce it.” . „ Mr Fulton: “ I can produced. Mr Massey. “Produce it now.” Mr Fulton : “ You were pushing the matter through ? ” Mr Massey: “Do you mean I was pushing it through improperly or unfairly.” Mr Fulton: “You were pushing it through.” Mr Massey: “Answer my question.” Mr Fulton : “ Yes, I say improperly.” Mr Massey: “ The statement is contrary to fact.” Mr Fulton: “ I shall produce the evidence.”

Mr Massey : “ You must accept my statement; if you don’t I refuse to hear you further.” Mr Fulton alter consultation with Mr Robertson, read a telegram from one Walsh, which said that he had received a wire from , Mr Massey, the Prime Minister, that application had been' received, and that he was pushing it through. Mr Massey : ” That is not very wise. I don’t accept that as a copy of anything I forwarded.” After further discussion, Mr. Massey said the new union had been registered absolutely in accordance with the Arbitration Act. Mr Newton, labour agent at Auckland, had been instructed to visit Huntly and report on the circumstances under which the men had been dismissed. He intended to administer the law as he lound it.