N.Z. LABOUR'S ATTITUDE

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 108, 7 May 1926, Page 7

N.Z. LABOUR'S ATTITUDE

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —It is reported that the Alliunco of Labour, Trades Council Federation, New Zealand Labour Party, and Parliamentary Labour Party have sent the following cable to the British Trades Union Congress:—-"New Zealand Labour movement solidly supports British workers i"n present struggle. Fraternal greetings and best wishes for victory." Now, that message as it stands requires some explanation. Does it mean that the movement solidly supports the general strike which has" taken place? Does it mean support for those workers who have seen fit in a dictatorial way to subvert the freedom of the Press? If it- means either of these, or both, when were the rank and file of the movement in Now Zealand consulted on these-- issues of tho general strike policy and tho attack on the freedom of the Press?

It is well known the men who_signed this message have protested often that they stand for freedom of speech and publication. Are they now supporting those who are engaged in a tyrannical censorship, and who stop publication of news and comments by direct action methods? As the message is worded it answers none of these, but no doubt those who receive it will read it aa a full endorsement of the action they have taken in sticking up the nation, which, if continued, may produce results far more" serious than an industrial dispute.

The people of New Zealand have never shown much sympathy with the general strike. For some time past the Labour Party men have been professing that they do not want the general strike in New Zealand under any circumstances. If they are sincere, can they support a general strike at Home which must cause tremendous' suffering to the workers if continued for any length of time?

We do not believe tho -workers of New Zealand favour the general strike policy, and, therefore, any message which may be taken to mean, that they endorse that lino of action is not .•justified. We doubt if the rank and filo have been consulted' at all on the question.—Wo are, etc., N.Z. WELFARE LEAGUE.