LABOUR AND THE WAR.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 66, 17 March 1916, Page 7

LABOUR AND THE WAR.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —In your issue of March Cth comment was made in the Arbitration Court as to the insanitary and unsatisfactory nature generally cf workers' dwellings in Auckland. Statements of a damaging character were made on oath, which, if widely circulated, would lead people in ofch-er centres to beJicve that Auckland was little other than a slum city. Mr. Gunsou, the Mayor, has rightly gfven an, emphatic denial to tbe«se apparently groat exaggerations. 1 noticed that Mr. Gunson's reply was followed by a. challenge from Mr. Wesley Richards to the Mayor to accompany him (Mr. Ritfiards) on a tour of the city for the purpose of inspecting these elum dwellings, Mr. RielMwite agreeing that if conditions were not as stuted, that he would forfeit the sum of £5 to the Hospital Fund. Now. sir, our worthy mayor cftnuot reasonably be expected to accompany every Tom, Dick and Harry on inspection tours of the city, our city inspectors are paid for that purpose, but even if he did 1 feel biire that besides biing a sadder and wiser man, Mr. Ixichaxds would be minus his .Co. In another part of your issue of the ea.ne date 1 notice comments by Mr. RichanU on the high cost of living. Now, bi\ what should labour's attitude be during ii period such us this, when the Empire is facing the greatest oriets of its history? Should it be a "question of quibbling over a few trilling faults in connection with workers' dwellings? Should it he a question of complaining about the 'high cost of living when the trade unions have been largely responsible lor it? Ur should we take the advice given trom the recruiting platform by Mr. Arthur Rosier, when he said in effect, "that while the enemy is lit the gate threatening our liberties, Oapital and labour should sink all differences and band together for the purpose of defeating tire common foe"! —1 am, etc., CHAS. CAJRROLL.