SEAMEN DIFFER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1651, 16 December 1916, Page 3

SEAMEN DIFFER.

A VETO REPUDIATED

Auckland, Dec. 14,

A difference of opinion has arisen between the Auckland Seamen’s Union and the executive of the Wellington Branch of the .Federated Seamen’s Union. The matter at issue is the secretaryship and assistant secretaryship of (he local branch, for’which offices Messrs Kneen and Anderson respectively have been nominated. The executive of the Wellington Branch, which controls the federation when the representative Executive Council is out of session, claims the right to exercise its proxy power and veto nominations, on the ground that owing to ill-health Mr Kneen is unable to carry out the duties of secretary, and that no assistant secretary would be needed if the secretary was capable of performing the duties of the office. The Wellington Executive has therefore called for fresh nominations. The Auckland Union repudiates the veto as being unconstitutional, and has issued a circular stating that the criticism -from Wellington is presumptions and impertinent. It pays a high tribute to Mr Kneen’s services, and says it is not the first time attacks on other union officials have emanated from Wellington. It refuses to be dictated to. In view of the present deadlock and recent friction regarding finances, there is a possibility of the Auckland Branch withdrawing from the federation.