Union Leaders Criticised From Pulpit

Rotorua Morning Post, Issue 5301, 14 January 1947, Page 5

Union Leaders Criticised From Pulpit

WELLINGTON, Lasf Night. Criticism of the waterside workers' attitude on loading the vessels was expressed on Sunday, night in St. Peter's pulpit by the Rev. B. H. Pierard. "Human nature by itself is morally 'b-roke' — it has lived on its spiritual capital for so long that it is ?overdrawn," said Mr. Pierard. "Even in this little conntry the idleness, dishonesty and selfisliness which are so prevalent to-day are a disgraee and a flagrant betrayal of the legacy of hard work and moral standards hequethed to us by our pioneering* forefathers. No matter what our leaders may say to minimise the existing* state of affairs, the situation has got out of liand, and no attempts at social ref'orm can work any permanent improvement. The only answer to the problem is a return to true religion. "As a case in point, take the union which is now threatening to paralyse our trade and disrupt our commerce — the very life hlood of our social fabric. Do their motives fear examination in the. light of our faith? Are the ohjects of the powerful group in control of the union entirely free from selfish ambition, self-seeking, and the craving for power? Do the subscribing members of that union enjoy complete freedom from intimidation by pressure groups controlling their interests? Are they acting in the hest interests of their country, for the welfare of their fellow citizens, and in accord with the wishes of our Government? No. * 'iA few irresponsible people who hold the union in a tight and relentless grip are holding a pistol to the heads of their fellow citizens, and in the teeth of the disapproval of our Government are seeking to serve their own ends at the country's expense. "I don't for one moment believe that their action has the unanimous support of the subscribing members cvf their union. Nor do I believe that the present situation would bear examination in the light of our Christian faith." ^