The union times., 1943-09-11
Death Of Davis,
 Driessens, A Loss
By HAROLD V. FEINMARK President, NetU HaUen Central
 L0hOr COuuciL

Labor Council
 Since the last convention of the Connecticut Federation of Labor, the New Haven Central Labor Council has lost two out standing members: Walter E. Davis, of Elm Lodge, No. APO, Machinists Union; and Alex ander Driessens, of Cigar Max CTS Local, No. 39. Both of these men played an important part in building the labor movement of New Haven and of the State, and their death was great loss. The death of Tommy Murphy, popular and able business representative of Local l9l, Teamsters Union. was also a blow to the labor movement of New Haven. We shall miss them.
 The past year has been very active one for New Haven, as 1t has been for all central bodies and locals. Labor is receiving increas- ed recognition all the time for the part 1t is playing in helping to win the war. As a result, there are more and more calls coming i'll for labor representation on municipal and civic committees. No important civic campaign IS now undertaken without consult ing organized labor, which is as 1t should be.
 Every activity, of course, is measured by the standard of how ii will help win the war. This is our first obligation and duty.
 Our chief projects had good year. Our Open Forum series were we'll attended. The New Haven Labor College, one of the leading labor schools in the country, had success ful year, although attendance was not up to usual because many of our peo- pie are working nights. We have made progress with the New Haven Labor Temple, which is becoming something of a center for many city affairs. We hope to reduce the mort gage as much as possible while times are good, so that we will be sure of having our own building later on.
 The progress made by The Un- iOn Times. official newspaper of the Council, has been remarkable. We received national recognition for the paper when its editor, Nate Sherman, was elected vice-presi- dent of the American Labor Press Association. New Haven was the only central labor body in the country to receive this honor.
 Since The Union Times was founded, its circulation, on several occasions, has reached as high as l5,OOO, as the result of special edi- tions being put out for various unions throughout the state. Any A.F.L. union in Connecticut can have the help of our paper, whether or not the union member ship subscribes to it. And any one who disagrees with any editorial or news article can have space to state his disagreement. When labor speaks about freedom of the press, it means freedom from all points of view. That's the big difference between a labor paper and a com mercial paper.
 During the year we conducted cam pdigns for child care centers; a con- ference on manpower, problems and more complete rent control. Our bat tie to have the New Haven Water Go. reduce its rates has been taken over by the city administration, and we are hopeful of a favorable court verdict.
 The biggest disappointment to organized labor in New Haven dur ing the past year was the failure of the Legislature to pass the State Labor Relations Act. We in New Haven believe that Gov. Baldwin and his party, which controlled the House and the Senate, must take responsibility for this failure.
 Many of our boys are in the ser vice, as is the case with all organiza- tions. Sen. Joseph Rourke, vice president of the Council, resigned to enter the Seabees Officers of other unions are also in the service, and it is our greatest hope that before an other convention of the Federation comes around, that we will have smashed Hitler and his Axis thugs, and our boys will be back with their families and with us.
 Until that day comes, our job is fo back them to the limit. That's