A LEAD TO LABOUR

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 91, 14 October 1940, Page 6

A LEAD TO LABOUR

The unity of British trade unions with the rest of the nation in the ordeal through which Britain is now passing is an example to democracies all over the world. Mr. Ernest Bevin, the Minister of Labour in the British Government and a member of Mr. Churchill's War Cabinet, stressed again in his broadcast at the weekend the necessity for the trade unions to face responsibility which he had urged before the Trade Unions Congress during the week. To the workers of the whole nation he said:

We called upon you to work long hours, increase production, submit to regulation^, and in a variety of ways

to contribute to the tremendous war effort. . . . Really, the speedy and final triumph in this war depends not only on the Government, but upon every manager, scientist, and worker in every workshop, building, dock, transport concern, and laboratory in this country. These are the words of a leader, and under such leadership British labour is responding with an effort that awakens the admiration of neutral observers. This is the spirit that, if it existed everywhere throughout the Empire, would hasten victory. Can New Zealand show a similar awakening in every circle to the realities of the situation and the need for supreme efforts? Mr. Bevin's uncompromising drive and directness have certainly met with a heartening response in Britain.