INDUSTRIAL UNIONISM.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXII, Issue 15511, 11 January 1911, Page 3

INDUSTRIAL UNIONISM.

TO THE EDITOR, Sir, —I know Mr Hiram Hunter to be a man of capacity 'and capable of discussing a point of policy without, resorting to personal abuse. In view, therefore, of the fact that he is now advocating the cause of industrial unionism, 1 would like to give him an opportunity of explaining away, if possible, the difficulties that confront myself' and others in connection with thi* movement. He will agree with me, I think, that the method of organisation which wo adopt should be (1) the one giving the greatest chances of success, and (2) the one involving the least possible amount of suffering to the people. 1 have opposed industrial unionism because I believe it gives the least chance of success and involves unnecessary suffering. Tho statement has been made in this discussion that probably under industrial unionism there will be no strikes. This statement I cannot believe. To me it seems that when the workers have withdrawn from under the Arbitration Act strikes and lock-outs are inevitable. My opinion is borne out by Mr Hunter’s reiteration of Mr Semple’s statement that the best way to preserve’peace is to bo prepared for war. To assume that there will be neither strikes nor lock-outs i* to assume that the employers will always concede the demands of the workers for shorter hours or higher wages. Now I arn convinced that sooner than give away anything vital the employers will light.. Not only this, but strikes and look-outs, like commercial panics, are very often a benefit to the large capitalists. Shares fall in value, and the big man scoops .them in, bolding tight till brighter times, when he unloads to advantage. Now, considering that the workers* chance of winning is dependent upon their getting hold of sufficient food for themselves and their families, will, the mere force of numbers increase their chances of victory? To mo it seem* that their position would he like unto that of a besieged garrison with a limited food supply, where an access of numbers would merely result in diminishing tlie chances of successful ly withstanding (bo siege. Again, if industrial unionism is victorious it can only win. shorter hours and bettor wages. Can wo not obtain the things by legislation if our political organisation is strong enough?—l ami, etc., D. 0. SULLIVAN.