by Sydney Trade Union
p. 39 · Read in the full issue
French Islands Governor Snubbed by Sydney Trade Union
NOWADAYS, when there are twice as many jobs as there are workmen available, the Australian class conscious unionist can enjoy the privi leges of a dictator. That was the dis covery made by M. Kuter, French Resi dent Commissioner in the New Hebrides.
M. Kuter wanted a walnut bedroom suite, with a night table, such as is com mon in Europe. All other channels being closed, M. Kuter sent to Sydney for it.
The approximate cost was £7O, The secretary of the Furnishing Trade Union of Sydney announced: — Permission was refused by the union, because it is our policy not to allow any luxury or non essential furniture to be made during the war in order to economise manpower. “If returned soldiers from this war or a munitions worker getting married has to be satisfied with austerity furniture, so must a governor.”
The trade union is perfectly correct.
But what sort of an ass, in Vila or Syd ney or somewhere, permitted this order to go through commercial channels, to the point where corrective action has to be taken by a trade union secretary? The order should never have left Port Vila.
Permission has been given for Miss P.
Talbot, of the Melanesian Mission, to return to the mission hospital at Fauabu, BSI. Dr. J. D, Thomson, who was form erly in charge of the hospital, has been attached to the Government and is kept busy travelling around the Protectorate, and there is great need for a trained and experienced nurse at Fauabu, where the hospital buildings have escaped undam aged.