ORGANISERS' ACTIVITIES.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 31, 6 October 1911, Page 10

ORGANISERS' ACTIVITIES.

Among the Wharf Laborers.—Recognition of Union. —Department's Irresponsible Officers. '*"■£•?•'■''■■

R. Semple, Federation organiser, left Wellington last Monday for Ivaitangata, Nightcaps, Bluff, and Green Island. ' ' ' ' ..

Whilst in the south it is Semple s intention to address the Bluff, Dunedin, Timaru and Lytteiton Wharf Laborers' Union and put the case of ihe Federation..before them. He anticipates the - tour, occupying about a month. Special attention will be paid to the Avharf laborers, the majority oi Avhom are anxious to join the Federa tion,.but are den ie<\ the opportunity by officialdom.

Whilst in Wellington, Semple Avaited upon J. A. Millar .with reference to the Westport wharf laborers and the Railway Department. Since the formation of the Wliarf. Laborers' Union in Westport, all appeals for departmental recognition had been turned down. In future, hoAA'ever, such Avill not be the case ; the Minister of Raihvays assured Semole that, the Union will be recognised' Avhen differences arise betAveen officials and Avharfies. Semple Avas also successful in securing a rise in the - Avages of ballast hands on the-Westport. section from 9s to 10s ocr day. Mention Avas also made of "the 15 men avlio Avere recently discharged for not turning out on a wet day (since reinstated through the Federation). The Minister expressed his indignation at such conduct by irresponsible officers. Such men,, he de-v clared, AA'ere unfit to occupy official positions. "Many grievances," the Minister added, "AA-ero the outcome of irrosponisble acts ,on the part of departmental officers, who.left the. Department to shoulder the responsibility."