WHAT'S THE IDEA?

Taranaki Daily News, 9 December 1922, Page 6

WHAT'S THE IDEA?

DROPPING KING’C BIRTHDAY. In the industrial dispute of the tanning and fellmongers trade before the Conciliation Council at O hristchurch, the union asked for May 1 as a holiday on full pay. The union agent, Mr. Ellis, explained that this was a day celebrated as Labour Day all over the world. Mr. G. Bowron (an employer): But you’ve got Labour Day for New Zealand. Do ybh want two Labour Days? And what is the idea of cutting out the King’s Birthday. It looks to me you want to strike out the King’s Birthday and put in May Day instead. That’s my judgment. Mr. Ellie: But your judgment is not always right. An employer: How many unions in New Zealand celebrate May it The Conciliation Commissioner! Mr. Hagger): I don’t know of one. Mr. Bowron: Well, we strongly object to it. Mr. Ellie (to Mr. Bowron): You Mr. Ellis (to Mir. Bowron): You think you can see something? Mr. Bowron (interrupting): Pretty reddish.

Mr. Ellie: Yes, I know you think we are red, but that’s wrong. Mr. Bowron: Well, I want to know what actuated you people in dropping the Kling’s Birthday and substituting May Day. Mr. Ellie explained that the King’s birthday was by no means universally recognised in New Zealand industry. The King’s birthday was like Anniversary Day; some people observed it, and some didn’t. There was really nothing objectionable about the May Day proposal. It was quite separate from New Zealand Labour Day anniversary. That was instituted to celebrate the gaining of the eight-hour day. There was nothing objectionable about Socialism or Socialists. “If Socialists are objectionable,” remarked My. Ellie, "than I am one of the objectionable people.” Ultimately the union assessors agreed to drop the demand in regard to May Day, but it fell to Mr. Ellis to have the last word. “I’ve got the impression,” he said, “that you believe that at the backs of our minds is the idea of disloyalty. You’re absolutely wrong; there’s nothing in it, nothing whatever.”