By NAUTILUS.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 36, 10 November 1911, Page 18

By NAUTILUS.

Open Letter to the Wellington Waterside Workers.

The Union has decided by a large majority to join, the New Zealand Federation of Labor—7l3 members having expressed their right to vote on this question. There were 430 in favour and 276 against,, seven votes being informal. Tlie policy of the Union has been changed to the extent that in future all questions of vital importance'.Avbieh. cannot be settled by reasonable means.between the Wellington employers and'the Wellington Waterside* Workers will, be referred, to the Federation .for settlement. The registration of the Union under the Arbitration Act remains, and cannot be cancelled until a ballot has been taken on the question. No attempt, in my judgment, will be made to cancel the registration, until the Union is organised in such a way as to be able to stand oh.a sound foundation. All'-un-financial- members will be brought to a sense of their responsibility, and some better system of recognition—either by card or button—adopted. This new system will require every member to be alive to his interests regarding •non-unionists, and in no case will nonmembers be allowed to work Avhilstmembers are available. Contributions will not be raised, nor will the Union be impoverished by the Federation. The sum total payment to that body will be 6d per member per quarter. This will be paid in the same way as other accounts. The payment of this Bum ensures free legal advice, cheap printing from the Federation printing plant, and the assistance of a militant organisation in time of trouble. Wild talk of strikes is only the mouthing of disgruntled opponents to progress. The Federation does not desire strife, but will reseiit oppression and will stop at nothing to better the conditions of the great mass of ill-paid watersiders on the coast. We should now settle doAvn to help our neAV co-partners, and this can -best be done by being loyal to the decision of the majority, by attending the meetings of the Union, by instilling a fraternal spirit into our fellows, *nd by helping the officers of the Union to carry out the wishes of the committee.

I regret that my colleagues, Messrs. Smith, Curtice and King, have intimated their intention of resigning. Wo have differed on industrial methods of organisation, but have each worked for the good of the body which Aye se»ve. Had the vote gone against progress, I. should have resigned. / My position would haA'e been filled with little difficulty. The Lyttelton ballot was carried by the rank and file in direct opposition to the officials of that port ; the same may be said of Auckland (W-atersiders and Tramway men. There are but feAV remaining W&tersio Unions outside the Federation, but no doubt these also will join within the month. The duty of the progresuive party is clear. Nothing will b*» done to incite trouble or to lead the (Union into difficulties, and I am positively sure that any wild attempts at strike that may be made by any section will be resisted by the incoming officials, who are all desirous of industrial peace. The summer seaBon is here noAV, and members should avail themselves of/every opportunity given . good season to make up for the winter, with every confidence in the fact that the Avishes of the •majority will be carried out for the common good. Fraternally/ G. G-. FARLAND. Ist November, 1911.

The Auckland.W.W. Union, since informing the N.Z. Portland Cement Co. and Wilson's do. do. that they had ample scope to work off locally—• in the various building and drainage works —their stocks of present-style bags (in hand and ordered) have had Further correspondence from the abovementioned firms, to Avhom the Union has replied that all further communications on the "dust-proof bag" question must be sent to the Executive of the N.Z.W.W. Federation. May the latter stiffen their lips and harden their hearts to any further specious pleadiings from these people is the fervent prayer of this scribe.

From Tuesday, October 17, till Saturday, October 21, inclusive, the Auckland W.W. Union took a ballot on the following question: -'Are you in favour ef this Union affiliating Avith the N.Z. Federation of Labor (as registered)?" Mr. Jas. Coliett (gen. sec.) was reliev- i ed of his duties and appointed returning offiper, and three scrutineers Avere appointed' to assist him in counting ithe ballot papers after the ballot closed. The result on the whole was somewhat disappointing —7<31 ballot papers were sent out by post; 291 voted **yes," 175 voted "no," and there were