LABOUR AND POLITICS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 11, 13 July 1909, Page 2

LABOUR AND POLITICS.

AUCKLAND VIEWS. [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL TO THE POST.] AUCKLAND, This Day. ,l'he majority of the members of the' Auckland Trades and Labour Council appear to have little sympathy with those creating dissension in the Canterbury Trades and Labour Council upon the question of making the organisation a political machine. 'A Star representative has interviewed several of the most piominen't members of the 'Auckland body, <uul the opinion was generally expressed that Labour and politics must go hand in hand if ally good purpose is to be achieved. There ure others, however, who consider that the council is going too far in its desire for political action, and that the usefulness of the organisation will suffer unless the brake is put on. "Any action on our part would be futile unless we made some stand politically," eaid Mr. T. Long, president of the 'Auckland Trades and Labour Council. "Labour and politics must go hand in hand, and if we want progressive legislation, we must fight for it. The only reforms we -can get must be obtained tluough legislative channels. As far as Chi'i6tchurch is concerned, I am satisfied that it is another case of 'much ado about nothing.' The same thing happened here solne time ago, but our constitution clearly piovides for our taking a leading part in politics." "What of the suggestion that at Christchurch they are making covert attempts to make the council the headquarters of Socialism?" Mr. Long wu& asked. "Well, any man who favouis progressive legislation is a Socialist," Was the reply. "The days are gone for ever when people were led to believe that Socialism is synonymous with anarchy. The sooner the workers of this Slate decide to form a united Labour Party, and put their own Labour members into the House, the sooner will they get the legislation they require. Certain it is that they have never had a more opportune time in the history of this country's politics thau the present for the formation of such a party." Mr. 'L. Henry, a vice-president of the council, contended that until tlie council became n political organisation it would nob have thoroughly justified , its existence. "The only way we can achieve success," said 'Mr. Henry, "is to become rod-hot gospellers of politics in Labour. At the piesent time the political muddle New Zealand is in places the ball at our feet if we want to kick it, nnd the time was never moro opportune for the establishment af a strong political Labour Parly in New Zealand." CONTRARY OPINIONS. An opinion expressed to tho conhary emariatbd from a past officer of the council. "All along, I have fought against the introduction of politics," he eaid, "but it was of no avail, and, in my opinion, the best efforts of the council will be nullified as a result of the course now being adopted. It would be a mis-take, for the simple reason that it would prevent the delegates from attendirtg to the real business for which they are elected, and the time would simply be wasted In political discussions. With a view to getting over the difficulty, it was suggested some time ago that, a speokvl committee should be set up to deal with political matters, and leave the council as n whole to devote its attention to the many important matters connected -with the different trades. The proposal, however, was not favourably received. I- always have been against any suggestion to make the council a Socialistic machine. It is the placo of the delegates lo discuss tru'de and labour matters, and rot enter into politic;i 1 controversies. The average worker is quite capitble of looking after his own affairs at election' time, and will voto for tho man most likely to serve his interests, without tho Trades and Labour Council telling him what to do. I think the majority of the workingmen in New Zealand to-day will take that view of it, and refuse to be led by the so-called agitators who abound." ! [PHESS ASSOCIATION.] NATIONAL PHYSIQUE. CHRISTCHURCH, 12th July. At a largely-attended public meeting to-night, the question of colonial physique was discussed, and motions were carried in favour of medical inspection of schools, and the adoption of a system of national physical and military training. NAPIER HOSPITAL. NAPIER, 12th July. The Nupier Hospital Tiustees to-day accepted the tender of Bull Bros., at £2540, for the erection of a children's wnrd at the Napier Hospital. In consequence of protests made by various contiibuting bodies against tlio amount of levy proposed to be made, tho Itawkes Ray United Charitable Aid Board has reduced the levy for the yeur from one-twentieth to one-fift'y-Mxth of ■a penny in the pound. TARANAKI PETROLEUM NEW PLYMOUTH, 10th July. The now df oil from the Tiaraliaki *Petioleum Company's No. 2 bore shows no sign of diminution. From Monday moining till l-riday morning, 52 barrels of sep.unted oil were pccuri'd, the pump bcin£ Mopped for 19 houis during that period.