QUEEN CARNIVAL FUNDS

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 February 1916, Page 2

QUEEN CARNIVAL FUNDS

WORKERS URGE INCREASED

TAXATION

CHPJSTCHURCH, Jan. 29. At a special meeting of the Canterbury Trades and Labur Council the following motion was carried : —"That in the opinion of this meeting the methods now being used to raise funds from workers in support of tin- Queen Carnival border very closely on pure rubbery, because of the economic pistols that are bung levelled at workers' heads."

Interviewed on the subject, Mr. F. E. Ellis, secretary of the Canterbury Federation of Unions, said: "I know the feeling existing among members of unions regarding the perpetual cudgo going on for patriotic funds. _ The workman has subscribed willingly, and. according to his means, generously, to the various appeals, but, frankly, lie is getting tired of it all. He has always favored increased taxation, and now 'believes that whilst he is prepared to support these voluntary appeals the Government will refrain from imposing sufficient taxation. He wishes to force the hand of the Government. The average workman does not think the rich man is doing his proportionate share in this war, either in money or men. The working classes have already made many sacrifices in both directions, and are prepared t 0 continue to do their bit, and more than their bit; but they feel that it is time the rich man was stirred up. The working man is already hit by customs increases, but has nevertheless responded generously to appeals for various funds, so thetfe can be no doubt of his patriotism." "As for the reference in the resolution to the Queen Carnival," concluded Mr. Ellis, "there is little doubt that in many instances economic pistols have been levelled at the heads of employes. These men may have not been compelled to surrender a week's wages or some other sum they could not really spare out of their small means, but the circumstances made the giving morally compulsory."