Untitled

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 9150, 9 July 1890, Page 4

The Trades and Labour Council are to be highly commended for their steadfast determination to leave general politics alone. There are, no doubt, many matters directly and indirectly connected with labour interests upon which legislation is certain to be required. Regarding these matters the Council has its Committee of Observation, whoso business it is to watch carefully all proposed measures as they affect labour. Whilst the Councils and the Unions they represent continue this line of action they will command the practical sympathy of all who wish to see the rate of wages maintained at a just standard, and the general welfare of the labouring classes promoted. But directly they go beyond this point and form themselves into a political association, they will begin to lose ground with the moderate portion of the public. There is also the danger that they may themselves ho split into factions by the agents of different candidates for Parliament who may gain admission to their ranks. This is called amongst professional politicians “ driving a wedge ” into the Opposition. Such a state of things cannot, however, happen whilst the decision of Saturday’s meeting is maintained —that general politics are outside the province of the Council.