BEN TILLETT AND THAT CABLE.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 42, 22 December 1911, Page 12

BEN TILLETT AND THAT CABLE.

During the time of that held-back cable controversy in Wellington waterside circles-; Mr. W. Connell wrote to Ben Tillett on the subject, and is in receipt of the following letter:— Dear Sir and Brother, —I am in receipt of your letter of the 16th September, and am extremely sorry that such action should have been possible by any type of official. You can well appreciate the tragedy of the struggle. We at least expected of the New Z-ea-landers and Australians reciprocal action. We have been years trying to get the shipowners to recognise in a humane manlier something of their sense of responsibility and human brotherhood. When I tell you the men have been treated so shabbily; they were driven like felons or harlots to scramble for workj after waiting hours and days, and to fight each other like wild beasts —and particularly in the case of vessels trading with New Zealand and Australia —yo\i can understand why the disappointment is so bitter. There is a law of human life greater and nobler than the laws of judges and thieves who make the laws. Some day or another the great working-class of the world will realise this fact and throw down their persecutors. But, however, it is useful to have such letters, and I thank you in the name of the transport workers for the courage of your opinion. I hope such a thing can never occur again. Thanking you sincerely for your manhood and sympathy,—l remain, yours fraternally. Oct. 26, 1911. BEN TILLETT.

The Waterside Workers , Federation has decided to extend the time of handling cement in other than dustproof bass till Febjcapry 12. 1912.