SOCIALIST PARTY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 313, 28 September 1908, Page 7

SOCIALIST PARTY.

SHATTERED IDOLS: LIBERALISM AND ARBITRATION. Mr. Jas. Thorn, of Christchurch, delivered an address last liight,"'•at'" His- Majesty's' Theatre, criticising the Government and advocating Socialism. He spoko • particularly to trade unionists, stating that under the amended Arbitration Bill thoy would bo absolutely bound to accept the Court's ruling, and how that verdict was suro'to bo against them if the present system went on. The Act wasj he said, admitted to be of no further benefit to the worker, and was retained and amended by the capitalistic class in their interest alone. The Liberal party had gone into power on a policy that they had failed to carry out, ielf-reliance and no foreign borrowing being two planks . that'they had not" laid down in t-heir actions. -. Their , new land legislation was retrogressive-—it "would utilise public money to assist ten men to becomo freeholders where one was now, and this in face of the Government's statement that they , believed in State ownership of land. The State's inability to change tlie monetary system was a source of great loss, and, the' Government proved its weakness by continuing ;to borrow money when it could issue . notes direct against its. assets. The Second Ballot Bill ho adversely criticised, and declared it to be a move, on the. part of the overnment to check Labour and Socialist men being elected. Figures taken from German returns were quoted in proof: 3,250,000 Social Democrats being represented by 48 members and 2,250,000 Clericpls having 150 members. Mr. Thorn declare' that a comploto split must bo mado from so-called Liberalism, and that the worker's must fight their way; to economic emancipation by nationalising industry after industry. Amendments and alterations of.the present system wore futile, as 17} years of Liberal administration had left them with the same old evils •of poverty and unemployment, and Liberalism was unable to attempt or suggest a remedy. Ho called on tho women for assistance, as they woro tho ones who bore tho brunt of tho trouble'.