LABOUR ARMY

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 54, 5 March 1927, Page 9

LABOUR ARMY

TRADE COUNCIL'S IDEA HUGE ORGANISATION (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, 22nd February. The latest and most extraordinary development in Labour circles in Sydney is the proposed formation of a volunteer labour "army," complete with units, divisions, divisional leaders, and a general staff. An announcement that such an organisation -was now under, way wns made to-day by the secretary of the Trades and Labour Council (Mr. • Jock Garden). According to the promoters, the objects of this remarkable "army" are to maintain the right of free speech, the right of assemblage, and the freedom of the Press. It is suggested that this organisation should operate under a committee appointed by the Trades and Labour Council of New South Wales and organisations associated with that body to protect the working class "in the event of international developments." The council is issuing the following declaration, the signing of which entitles the person prepared to assist in carrying out the objects outlined in it to membership in the organisation:— "* ; being in agreement with the' purpose of the Volunteer Labour Army to maintain the right of free speech, right of assemblage, and freedom of the Press, pledge myself to assist in maintaining these rights under the direction of the combined committee appointed, for the purpose by the New South AVales Labour Council and associated organisations."

The suggested method of financing the organisation is that members should pay one shillin for membership and that any further funds should be made up of donations from labour organisations, individual members, and sympathisers. Any funds collected in this manner, it is proposed, should be forced into a trust fund of the Trades and Labour Council of New South Wales.

The nucleus of units of the "army " which may be formed in any city, suburb, or town, it .is provided", shall consist ox not fewer than seven members, lufsc units will be entitled to elect n louder, a deputy leader, and a correspondent who shall constitute the management committee of each unit and shall keep in contact with headquarters. For purposes of collective action un-ts may group themselves into divisions. Such divisions may be formed m districts north of Mni'\ind, Newcastle, and suburbs, Lithgow, Wolionffonf,', Broken Hill, and other imlustvi:\l centres. From the combined lenders, deputy-leaders, and correspondents of th \ units divisional officers may lie selected.

Kight is reserved by the Trades and Labour Council committee of organisation to appoint the general staff. Up to_i;he present, as far as can be ascertained, there has been no general staff appointed.