UNION SECRETARIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 May 1941, Page 4

UNION SECRETARIES

f WELLINGTON ALLEGATION ATTEMPT TO INTIMIDATE ■CANDIDATE. VIGOROUS PROTEST BY CITY MAYOR. (By Telegraph—Press Association. 1 WELLINGTON, This Day. Allegations that, following comment by him on the number of union secretaries on the Labour tickets for the local body elections, five trade union officials waited on him in his office, reviled him because he was a Jew. told him that he was a rrjoney-grabber, demanded a written apology and for a time locked him in his office, were made by Mr H. L. Nathan, a Citizens’ candidate for the Harbour Board, addressing a meeting in the Kelburn Tea Kiosk last night. The action alleged to have been taken by the union officials was strongly condemned by the Mayor. Mr T. C. A. Hislop, speaking after Mr Nathan. Mr Hislop said the sort of thing referred to was going on in other quarters in a quieter sort of way. He knew of men, honourable men, holding positions who did not know how long they would be in them if they continued to follow the course of honour. This thing was no small matter. The very fact that it could occur in the centre of th* business area of Wellington showed that the men went there with a feeling of confidence that they would be able to do that and get awaj' with it. Surely it is an extraordinary thing," said the Mayor, "that five of them should walk into Mr Nathan's office. . . .”

A voice: "Gestapo." Mr Hislop: “Why did they go up five strong? ... I have met some of them and 1 know just about what they are worth. Did they go up for any ordinary discussion of public affairs 9 Who. believes that? They went io frighten him (Mi - Nathan). Through tne wall someone heard it —a great noise and great disturbance.

"It is time the people of this country woke up,” Mr Hislop said. "The man who attacks any man cn the grounds of his religion is a cur. What was done to Mr Nathan would be done to others if they had the courage to do it.”