LABOUR’S RECORD

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1942, Page 7

LABOUR’S RECORD

(To the Editor, Magazine'Page.).

Sir,—As Mr Scott states, industrial chiefs are elected and once returned are there for a term and nothing can shift them. Moreover, "it is wellknown that the one in power has a big advantage over his oppenent owing to the fact that the outsider cannot afford to travel round the different branches to make himself known to all the rank and file of the organisation, and members are afraid of putting an unknown man in power in case he may be worse than the one already in. As far as the political chiefs are concerned, they can legislate to suit themselves and unfortunately don’t take much notice of the delegates, although in some cases they try plausibility or other methods, one such instance bethe various L.R.C.’s demand for an election for last November.

The proof that Governments will bring the military machine into operation when workers kick hard is shown by the action of the- various States 'n America. When workers beat the thugs and gunmen of Pinkerton. the military were brought in. The same thing happened to the Jamaican sugar workers, also at various times in India and other places. During the railway strike in Queensland, the Theodore Labour Government bludgeoned the workers back and according to reports from a friend of mine who was there, soldiers were guarding some of the trains. McCormack (Queensland Labour) also bludgeoned the sugar workers and had the military in readiness in case of emergency (blessed word). In 1913 guns were placed covering certain wharves in Wellington, Auckland and Lyttelton and all leave for naval ratings was stopped, but the specials were able to club the workers back, which saved them from the military. Quite recently Curtin threatened to put certain wharves under naval control if workers did not resume, and one or two of our own politicians have uttered thinly-veiled threats against workers.' According to Mr Scott’s statement the L.P. politician is not pledged to implement the L.P. platform. This will be an unpleasant surprise to thousands of people, including myself, who have put our money, time and labour in to get the various L.P. candidates returned. In spite of that statement, I will give him some of the pledges they have broken: State ferry service, State iron works; State oil; State banks; no conscription of human beings except by referendum, free education from kindergarten to University; conscription wealth; free medical ’ services; superannuation for every person of 65 and over, etc., etc. The criticism I have written must be understood to refer to the Labour Government which was in for the six years which expired in November, 1941; for to-day, outside of the Axis countries, New Zealand has the doubtful honour of possessing a dictatorial self-appointed government. I am, etc., E. HILLMAN. ’ Greymouth, Feb. 16.

Mr Hillman rambles: Neither Theodore nor McCormack did any bludgeoning; nor at any time was the military used by any Queensland Labour Government. Perhaps it would have suited Mr Hillman's book if the Queensland railwaymen were allowed to play cards instead of working? Re State oil and iron, surely it is not the Labour Government’s fault if, when tested, the iron deoosits were proved to be inadequate; and the securing of machinery to start up even a small unit proved impossible; and if our bores fail to find oil? Perhaps it is hews to Mr Hillman that a State Bank with a sole right of note issue IS established in New Zealand; and, through this bank, the people s credit has been used to the extent of £23,000,000' for State houses (14,000 built), for marketing and public works. Maybe, taxing incomes up to 17s 6d in the £ is not conscription of wealth; but the people who are paying those increased taxes think it is. Perhaps the Labour Government should have enacted The Initiative, Referendum and Recall; and brought in a State shipping service for some labour rats to sabotage. See what happened to the Commonwealth Shipping Line in Australia! Mr Hillman should remember that we have free doctors, free medicine, and free hospitals; and, in addition to that, a worker may draw up to £4 per week sick pay while he is off work in New Zealand. The Labour Government has made many mistakes and probably will make more; but every unbiased person ■ will admit that even after two and a half years of war, it is still sticking to, and extending, its social legislation. —J. SCOTT. (Space on the Magazine Page is limited, if Mr Hillman cannot supply more authentic matter than is contained in his present letter, this correspondence is closed.—Ed.).