VIII.

Evening Post, Volume LIII, Issue 115, 17 May 1897, Page 2

VIII.

My Deae Sox— You may ask why it is that the Liberal Party always cultivates the " Trade Unionists," and is ready to shout " Labour, labour," whenever there is a chance of the shout being heard. I have already pointed out to you that two things are required to make Liberalism gee— money and votes. We can get the money from brewers and publicans, and perhaps a little aid from a capitalist or two who want seats in the Council. Illustrations of the aid already obtained from this source could be given, but if published would be misused by the Opposition, so I shall not publish names. Then we may get a little assistance, though it has been scant up to the present, from the Bank shareholders or investors whom the Labour Party has aided; and, lastly, we expected some aid from the pastoral tenants whose rents were forgiven, but not much has as yet come from that quarter. But votes are needed. You remember what Tennyson's Northern Farmer said to his son — he was not to marry for money, but he was " to go where the money was." We must go where the votes are. It is true, though this should not be published too widely, that in the labour crisis in 1890 the Liberals in the . House,- did not do much for the workers. Mr. M'Kenzie spoke against them ; Messrs. W. C. Walker, Larnach, &c, &c, were not very well disposed to them ; but then, you see, it was not apparent whether they would be successful or not. It is different now. They are organised and have many votes, and nobody else has so many votes as they have, so we must get their votes. Now, how are they to be got ? They are very moderate in their demands. They want some Bills ; well, give them the Bills they want. They may not be of much value to them. That is their affair. It is a fair and open bargain. [ Give us votes, and we give you Bills. The value of the Bills need not be assessed. Happily, tliere is no Truck Act in force which would force the true value to be given j for the votes got. The Bills they waut are first an Eight Hours Bill. It may be hard to prevent a man working nine hours, and get thus an extra shilling or two for it— but who has not to' put up with some loss for the general good ? If the Prohibitionist says — Why not give up beer for the general good ? silence him by saying you are dealing with Labour questions. Then there is to be an Apprentices Bill. Thousands are to be denied work as they are not of age and enough adults are not employed. Well, here again, who suffers ? The wealthy, not at all. This is not any concern of theirs. No doubt some poor families will suffer, but trade unionists, are they not on the bide of the poor? and they work for the Bill ! Why, then, should the Bill not pass P The only other Bill isa Bill to further inspect factories. It may be said that if employers are limited ) in their earnings, wages are limited. Well, who has the right to object? That is not our affair, and if it is true that the earnings of men and women have not increased during the last few years, have not the trade unionists had the reward ? They have had a few Labour members returned, and they are satisfied. Of course wages have not increased, nor has the volume of work increased, but the Liberal Party has got their votes, and that is sufficient. To maintain this alliance a little Socialism must be talked at the meetings, and on fitting occasions it will be proper to shout " Down with the capitalists." The capitalists, allied with the Liberal Party, will know that 7 nothing is meant by such talk. The brewers and publicans will know their millions are safe, and the banks can rely on the Liberal Party and so can the squatters if snow comes and kills their flocks. None need be alarmed by a little loud talk at an occasional meeting. It pleases the Socialists among the trade unionists, and makes them imagine the Millennium is at hand, and they give their votes and their cheers. Then if something is said about land nationalisation in town meetings it will not be out of place. It would not do to say anything about land nationalisation in country places, as the small settlers might think what was said meant something, and their votes are worth looking after. We will be able to receive the trade unionist vote in the way I point out, and very cheaply, too. If any absurd Bills are demanded, the Liberal .Party can throw the blame of not passing them on the Opposition or the Legislative' Council, or say there was no time. Many other excuses may suggest themselves. And if these all fail, put to them will they do anything to briug back Tories, and they will shout "No !" and the Liberal Party be saved ! If you find any obstinate fellow amongst them who asks persistently what the effect of the Liberal policy has been, call him a Tory. That will discredit him amongst his fellows, and he will be hissed. I think I have shown the need of making friends of the workers. Tell them everything depends on labour, and that the only persons that work are trade unionists. Tell them also that the man who works as a fireman has as much right to get as much wages as a man who is the head engineer, the bank clerk as the bank manager. Do not, however, allude to directors' fees or serving foreign syndicates or capitalists, as that would be opening up an intricate question. If they shout "Down with the capitalists ! " let the Liberals cheer it. It means nothing, .and it pleases those who have votes. The brewing, mining, gold mines - exploiting capitalists, &c., may be privately told that the shouting is done to get votes. They will understand it all, and thus the Liberal Party will be kept secure in power and influence, and everybody be benefited. . , I am, &c. Robert Thomson.