THE SOCIALISTS AND LABORITES.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 65, 7 June 1912, Page 14

THE SOCIALISTS AND LABORITES.

Sir,—As one of tho rank and file,'l wish to place before you my views as regards the Socialist Party — views which, I am confident, aro held by a large number of workers throughout the Dominion who aro either convinced Socialists or ih sympathy with Socialr ists. To commence, £ might Bay oiftfc I admire thorn for their fearless (ttyid *e*intt tho Conscription Act, *nd i

think they are quite right in keeping aloof from fusion with Labor or any other party, but until their views are fur moro widely accepted than at prosent, tho Socialist. Party as a party should not contest parliamentary or municipal elections. Thoy should, whilo keeping themselves distinct a«i * parly, assist and, when necessary, criticise the Labor Party. Whilst carrying on the propaganda work, they could in conjunction with other organisations, j establish daily papers, co-op. stores, • etc. Now the .Socialist Party has ab-1 solutely no chance in politics at pre-1 sent. Tho Labor Party will have its ( innings first —it helps to prepare the ; way, as the Liberals did for' it. Tho higher the standard of living and education rises, tho quicker wo- will got Socialism —it must be general, all along the line. I am convinced that the Socialists would do more good by getting their members on schools committees than in contesting parliamentary elections. I know very well that palliatives aro not Socialism ; still thoy appeal to tho average worker as something he can get right now. Where would we bo without the Education Act? and there is a lot of good work waiting to bo done by a Labor Government in tho Education Department now. For instance, tho reading books could be greatly improved. I want to see Labor dailies with Socialist editors, also activities like tho Farmers' Co-op. Such aro imperative. The Labor or Socialist Parties must be- constructive to succeed. —Yours, etc., Sydenham. REWANUI.