THE WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS UNOPPOSED By WAYNE A. SCOTT Int'l Editor TORONTO, Ont. — The four IWA international offi- cers and six-year trustee were nominated for re - election without opposition at the 24th Constitutional Convention here last week. They are President A. F. ‘Hartung, First Vice President Claude Ballard, Second Vice- President Ronald F. Roley, Secretary - Treasurer William Botkin and Trustee H. E. Gei- ger, all of Portland, Ore. Referendum ballots to for- malize the election are being : sent to local unions across the United States and Canada and must be postmarked for re- turn to International Head- quarters in Portland not later than midnight on Wednesday, November 17. A constitutional amend- ment was adopted at the con- vention that will eliminate the need for a referendum ballot in future International elec- tions when all candidates are unopposed. However, constitutional amendments do not become effective until 60 days follow- ing the end of the convention, so a referendum vote is re- quired in the present election. This also is true for another constitutional amendment ap- proved at the convention, which calls for mandatory re- tirement at the age of 65 years for full-time officers and staff members of the International Union. The retirement resolution was the most hotly-debated issue before the convention and was adopted on a roll call vote of 40,964 to 24,462. Much of the emotionally- charged debate centered on International President Har- tung, who at the age of 68 years is limited to a final term in office by the retirement amendment to the IWA Con- stitution. Hartung, who later cast his roll call vote in favor of the amendment, received a stand- ing ovation from the conven- tion delegates when he deliv- ered the following statement: “Mr. Chairman and brother delegates: You have here an issue that. you are debating which seems to have settled around myself at the present time. “T have been with this or- ganization a long, long time and my primary objective in being in the labor movement is to try to help build it and not tear it down. I don’t want this resolution that is before you now to create any divi- sion in this delegation. “I think you should debate it strictly on its merits, and not on the basis of A. F. Har- tung. I appreciate the kind re- marks that have been made by everybody and, if I am nominated and elected, I would certainly be glad to serve you for another two years. “No one knows how long his health is going to hold up, and there is no person in this world who is indispensable. President Kennedy was cut down in his prime, but Presi- dent Johnson took over: and he has done a tremendous job. “T think that when I reach 70, whether you pass this re- solution or not, I will be about ready to quit. So, don’t let the issue get between the people who are for it and the people who are against it. “Your real enemy is the employer and most of you are going to be across the bar- gaining table from him next year. I think you should get rid of this resolution by vot- ing your convictions, which- ever way it goes by the ma- jority, and build this organ- ization, because you are go- ing to have plenty of struggles with the employer next year. “I am willing to abide by the will of the majority of you delegates out there, which- ever way it goes, and you have my assurance that I will do everything I can to carry it out. With that, thanks a lot.” - Hartung and Botkin were nominated by Harvey R. Nel- son, president of Western States Regional Council No. 3; Ballard was nominated by Oliver J. Rasmussen, presi- dent of Midwestern States Regional Council No. 4; Roley was nominated by J. L. Baughman, president of ° Southern States Regional Council No. 5, and Geiger was nominated by J. D. Jolly, member of the International Executive Board from Re- gional Council No. 5. Nelson, Rasmussen and Baughman were elected by the convention delegates to represent the IWA at the con- ventions later this year of the Industrial Union Department and AFL-CIO. The IUD ses- sion will take place in Novem- ber in Washington, D.C., and the AFL-CIO convention will be in December at San Fran- cisco, Calif. President Hartung and Sec- retary - Treasurer Botkin are automatic delegates to both the conventions. COMING TO VANCOUVER STAY AT THE NEWLY DECORATED AUSTIN | MOTOR HOTEL - - wonderful comfort at low prices. Right in the heart of down- town Vancouver, Granville at Davie. : Completely refurnished, with TV, dining and lounge facili- ties. Lighted parking for 150 cars. Single without bath $3.50 - $5 With bath or shower $4.50 - $6 Write or phone for our low weekly rates. Telephone MU. 5-7235 Vancouver Member: CAA and AAA The First Pair of PARIS Boots * The ORIGINAL 1907 * PARIS vicut CRUISER 1965 No Extra Charge for 58 Years’ Experience and Craftsmanship PIERRE PARIS & SONS 513 West Hastings Street Vancouver 3, B.C. Family Teamwork in Craftsmanship since 1907