UNION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9120, 4 June 1890, Page 6

UNION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— -It seems to myself that there is not as much unity amongst the working men of Now Zealand as there might and ought to be, and the sole reason is the tendency of each separate organisation or union to cling to its own individuality. In order that unity may exist, and there can be little real strength without it, every organisation must become willing to alter its code to the , general working of the main body, and to become, by sinking its own individuality, a portion of that main body. So long as we have one hundred and fifty (more or less) organisations strung together like a string of sausages, the least pull will separate them; they must bo stranded together like a giant hawser; must extend all round the Colony, and be thoroughly spliced. Then Sir, and not until then, will there be real unity. Let each and every organisation contribute to the funds of the general Council, for two distinct purposes—general expenses and permanent fund for strike purposes. Then if a strike of any branch of operatives became necessary in any Province, it would not bo any burden upon the local workmen, but would be supported by the whole Colony out of the strike fund of the Council. To leave the provision for such emergency to special call upon local bodies is a monstrous mistake, and one that needs rectifying at once. In a previous letter I pointed out the suicidal policy of the Colony’s Trade Union Councils not being amalgamated, and had hoped, ere this, to see some effort made in the direction of amalgamation. I would again earnestly entreat those at the head of our Councils to take immediate action in the matter, feeling sure the results will be of a most satisfactory nature, and that such action will he the birth of real unity amongst New Zealand’s toilers. I know this is the wish of many, and that its accomplishment has been retarded by the short-sighted policy of others; some of our larger organisations being jealous of the smaller, &c., and unwilling to alter any little rule to enable all to work together on the same lines in true union spirit. It is all very well to say “ union ia strength,” and to imagine that when any branch of labour forms a Union, they are strong to resist; nothing of the kind. Unless the broad principle is acted upon, unity cannot exist, and consequently Instead of strength there is weakness.

On-e of the best signs of a desire for unity amongst those who work for their daily bread is the fact that those who are forced to wear black coats are at last beginning to associate with those who are forced to have black hands, and that both are beginning to realise their interests are identical, and can only be protected by unity of purpose and action. Yes, Sir, union is undoubtedly strength where unity exists. Therefore let us have throughout New Zealand—Unity.—I am, &c., ■ UNION.