Co-operative Labor.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 534, 30 September 1902, Page 2

Co-operative Labor.

(To the Editor of the Times.)

Sir,—l, for one, deem it my duty to express my satisfaction at the result of tho voting of our local Farmers’ Union, as e reported. It seems, however, whatever is ■ done for the advancement of the working > classes is bound to meet with great host- ' tility. I can quote you many instances as to several who have suffered for the betterment of their kind. Now, sir, may I be permitted to point out that in every . successful institution which now oxists the system of-co-operation prevails, whether in dairy farming, freezing works, banking, or combines even under Pierpont Morgan. Therefore, the conclusion I do arrive at is that for a worker it is in his interest to combine, whether it be fay a few without means, in order that they bo put on an equal footing with those who are combining against them. After reading your report, I am surprised at the remarks made by Mr Sceats, who said “ The theory was right, although he was against the practice," etc. He further stated that while in employ under the co-operative system he would not sell now his vote for co-operative labor. Mr McLeod stated that men were put on jobs by influence and their followers, and that co-operation was a levelling-down process. I do not quite understand Mr McLeod’s remarks, but I can, so far as I am. concerned, say there was no influence at my back, nor of those with me on every occasion I went to work with my mates. He alleges that the good workmen soon became the worst on the job. I can refer the last mentioned to any of those who were employed with me in co-operative work, and to find that they were put on a job with influence at their back or whether they were bad workers.—l am, etc., J. C. GtUfw?,