Auckland Union’s Rowdy Meeting

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 18, 22 January 1937, Page 6

Auckland Union’s Rowdy Meeting

THE CHAIRMAN DEFIED Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. There were stormy scenes at a special meeting at the Trades Hall last night of the Auckland and Suburban Labourers’ Union, and during a five minutes’ uproar a member of the union was standing on the table in front of the chairman, Air. J. Sercoinbe, gesticulat Lng wildly and shouting at other members. The chairman declared the meeting closed and with the secretary, Air. Bernard Clews, and over fifty supporters, left the hall. The meeting was called to consider a uotice of motion to amend a rule which provides that the treasurer-secretary shall be returning officer for all ballots save those connected with his own office, for which the president or sonic other member shall act. The amendment sought to provide that the secre-tary-treasurer should not act as returning officer but that the latter should be elected by members. It was stated after the meeting was declared open a representative of a certain faction alleged to be endeavouring to secure control of the union’s affairs moved an irrelevant matter. The chairman pointed out that only the notice of motion could be discussed. The speaker declined to resume his seat and wh |.j asked to leave the meeting again refused to comply wi:h the chairman’s request. {Several others attempted to make themselves heard and au uproar ensued.

After the chairman dcclured the meeting closed about 100 members remained. They appointed another chairman and held a meeting with tho sequel that three members visited tho secretary at his office and demanded to see the books of the union aud the members’ register. Air. Clows advised the men to forward their request in. writing. The union has a membership of 1000. It is anticipated that future meetings will bo largely attended.