KNIGHTS OF LABOUR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIX, Issue 9943, 24 January 1893, Page 6

KNIGHTS OF LABOUR.

A numerous and very attentive audience, in which was a very fair proportion of ladies, assembled in the Lyceum, Manchester street, last night, to listen to an address on “ The Old and New Unionism.” Mr W. Stokes took the chair and introduced the speaker, Mr W. W. Collins, who for nearly two hours secured the closest attention while he enlarged on the aims and hopes of the Knights of Labour, under whose auspices the address was delivered. Mr Collins graphically depicted the condition of the labourer as a mere serf in the reign of Richard 11., and gave an historical account of how the condition of labour had srradually become ameliorated; how Trades Unions have crown, though as late as 1867 it was decided in a court of law that Friendly Societies which were also Trades Unions were not entitled to legal protection. By the nature of the conditions, employers and employees were common enem:es, but the Knights of Labour hoped to destroy such a state, so that employers and workers should meet together on a common footing for their mutual benefit. Trades Unions had been militant, and strikes had been the consequence; but in future, in place of strikes, there would be arbitration and conciliation. Up to fifty years ago the workers wore unrepresented in the Legislature, but Reform Bill after Reform Bill had been passed since 1832, till now the political influence was no longer in the hands of the classes, but in those of the masses. The attitude of the workers, with that political power, was a complete rebuke to those who predicted revolution. They recognised that it was stupidity to do illegally what they could accomplish quietly. The Knights of Labour took cognisance of the past, and in future there would be less expenditure of wasted energy, with better results. Employers and workers would meet on an equality, and all would learn that they belonged to one human family. All interests were in common. The Knights of Labour were not militant, but educational, and appealed to reason. Courts of Arbitration would do the work which was done by strikes. They proposed to give historical and technical lectures, and have such literature as that of Henry George and Bellamy, and establish justice and equity for the benefit of the entire community. The classes and the masses working together would bring greater happiness. Mr J. M. Douglass proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Collins for inis able address. The motion was carried by acclamation, the applause being prolonged. Mr Collins briefly returned thanks. A number of members were enrolled.