IS THE AGITATOR LABOUR'S FRIEND?

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1097, 8 April 1911, Page 10

IS THE AGITATOR LABOUR'S FRIEND?

Sir,—This is a question of a debatable nature, no doubt, but the condition of all airs in Jiew Zealand at present does not argue too much in their favour. This week I find 0110 of the oldest retail businesses in Wellington closing down, and 0110 Tcason the} 1 give is the interference ni their work by the Labour party.' .therefore this must be looked upon as a retrograde step, this closing down the best appointed and finest shop in this city, not to mention the throwing idle of many workers. This is <1110 of many business people that are annoyed by Labour oppression, and if firms already trading here' have their wings clipped and get their confidence shaken, how do the Government and the workers expect outsiders to invest money in A'ew Zealand, and how can the future worker expect to succeed? Every Friday wo have instances of this, for each boat departing to Australia is overcrowded, for if people cannot live, hero they must try fresh fields, and Australia offers many advantages. Tliis oiily -reflects back npoii those left, and makes the cost of living greater. AVhat the Labour people want is a new style of leader—a man that will not only watch the workers' interests, but one that will help the country and create work for those willing to work, a man that can come forward and place ascheme that will keep the people here in healthy employment. The present-day-agitator has only one idea—self and 110 interest in the country, so long as he keeps in idle work himself. If your paper moved amongst the labour circles it. would find plenty of discontent, and it is already reported that some of its unions are receding from the Trades and Labour Council.—l am, etc., ' WOBKER.