Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd., 1931. OUTING THOMAS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 November 1931, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd., 1931. OUTING THOMAS.

and trades union history is strewn with instances of ingratitude to those who have worked long and well for the cause, past services being ignored if present attitudes displease the executives of the moment. Most Labour leaders ami officials could, if they would, retail experiences of this ill-treatment, and, generally, those trade unions, most, keen on denouncing capitalist standards, make the worst employers, despite the boasted equality and fraternity. That is one reason why the cause, does not progress as it, otherwise might, the proclaimed ideals proving hollow when need for support for them arises. . The latest notable victim of callous conduct is Mr. J. IT. Thomas, who for about 30 years has been the mainstay of the National Union of Railwaymen. No question has arisen of the great value of his services to the railwaymen, but because of his refusal to desert Mr. MacDonald in the recent political crisis, the executive of the railwaymen dismissed him from the union secretaryship and ruled that he was ineligible for a pension. Mr. Thomas]

took this decision hard, and has made somewhat, melodramatic appeals to the railwaymen to reconsider their decision, especially in connection with his pension. His tears, impassioned appeals, and even the presence of his family, brought specially for the occasion, left, the railwaymen cold, and no pension is to be granted. Legally, the railwaymen may be within their rights, but, morally, they are acting shabbily, and, once more, are trade union officials warned not to put, their faith in their own class, which can teach princes how to play their own proverbial game.

Candour compels the admission that Mr. Thomas has overstated his ease. Despite the withholding of the railwaymen’s union pension, neither he, nor his family, is likely to starve. If repeated reports are true, his private fortune is by no means insignificant, thrift, followed by fortunate investments, enabling him to be comfortably oft. Apart from his salary from the railwaymen’s union, as Cabinet Minister he has been receiving up to £5OOO a year, and although a 20 per cent, cut has lately been imposed, the wolf should not be awaiting on his doorstep. The spectacle of a leading Cabinet Minister, weeping over his lost pension, and refusing to be comforted, was not, vor.y edifying and the “stony silence” of tlie critical delegates was a more dignified attitude. If things came to the worst, a grateful country would probably find a billet, or an annuity, to save Mr. Thomas from becoming a recipient of poor law relief. However, whatever Mr. Thomas’s circumstances may be, a serious principle is involved, and Labour and trade unions should endeavour to establish higher standards, and give a fair deal to those svho are endeavouring Jo serve them. Burke, whom Labour orators profess to admire, once said: “Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays instead of serves you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.”