OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 May 1939, Page 7

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

COLLEGE GOVERNORS (To the Editor.) Sir,-—As president of one of the Wairarapa (branch) trade unions, allow me a few lines to refute the suggestion of Messrs P. A. Smith and A. O. Jones that Wellington tradesmen, members of unions, wish to intrude into Wairarapa domestic affairs. At the last meeting of the Wairarapa College Board of Governors, Mr Smith is reported to have stated that all Wairarapa tradesmen and workers were members of Wellington unions. This is quite correct as far as it goes. But he forgot to mention that so also are (he workers of Manawatu, Horowhenua, Wanganui, Marlborough, Nelson and all other districts in Wellington province. Incidentally the other two unions mentioned —the P. and T. and Railwaymen —are only branches, with headquarters in the city. Messrs Smith and Jones know full well (or don’t they) that large and strong unions have a greater chance of obtaining their just demands, apart from the fact that the Government and Arbitration Court will not recognise a multitude of disjointed country unions. In all but a few industries, there are not enough country workers, in any case, to form separate unions, so the necessity of affiliation with the city unions is obvious. But to suggest that city tradesmen wish to intrude into Wairarapa domestic affairs is so much eyewash. As well to suggest that the Victoria University College Council dictates the policy of the Wairarapa College Board of Governors. As for the College Governors’ famous resolution re the election of a workers’ representative, it will have to be rescinded sooner or later as it is the settled policy of the Government to deal only with organised Labour through the Federation of Labour (and its affiliations) which has just concluded its annual conference at Wellington with over 600 delegates. Mr Smith represents the Wairarapa workers on the Board of Governors :tnd as a trades unionist of over a, quarter of a century may I be permitted to ask: (1) To what section of organised labour does Mr Smith belong? (2) Is he now (or has he been in the past) a member of a . trades union? (3) If so, does he know of any instances where city tradesmen wished to intrude in Wairarapa affairs? (4) Is he a financial member of the Masterton or Wairarapa (political) Labour Party? If Mr Smith cannot answer these questions correctly he obviously has little right to represent Wairarapa workers. The Wairarapa Trades and Labour Council, to which is affiliated the overwhelming majority of skilled and other workers of the district, obviously possesses the right-and power, if necessary, to select someone from amongst their number. At the same time, be it admitted, that Mr Smith has given excellent service on the old High School Board and also the College Governors, and, speaking personally, I see no need for change. But it should be Mr Smith’s policy to keep “on side” with those whom he represents. —Thanking you in anticipation, 32 YEARS TRADES UNIONIST. Mastertoh, April 28. The above letter was referred to ■Mr Smith, who stated that he did not feel disposed to answer an anonymous correspondent. If the correspondent disclosed his name he would be prepared to answer the letter. RUGBY ENTERPRISE (To the Editor.) Sir, —Congratulations to the committee of the Memorial Park Lighting project. It is very refreshing to us older men to see the enthusiasm and energy that has been put into the work of raising the necessary funds needed for the erection of lights at the Park to enable the football clubs to proceed with training for the coming season and I for one am looking forward to seeing great results in an itnproved standard of play in all grades of the good old game. I among many others was very sorry to read the destructive criticism of “On the Ball” in a recent issue of your valuable paper as the organisation of the committee was nowhere lacking and any blame, if any, that might be imputed should have been put on the shoulders of Rugby players and certainly not on the committee. Anyhow the results have proved how successful was the organisation, and prove to the public of Masterton that there is plenty of vim and energy in the present generation. Thanking you in anticipation of your giving this letter an airing?—-Yours, etc., “ALSO ON THE BALL.”. Masterton, May 2.