LABOUR UNION MATTERS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 16 April 1907, Page 2

LABOUR UNION MATTERS.

To the Editor.

Sir,— ln your paper published on the 12th April a letter appeared on the above subject over the signature of "J. D. Norriss," to which I should like to reply. His reference to the early settlers does not prove much Jo those who are conversant with the details of the hard straggles made . by those worthy pioneers of this settlement, whose sturdy efforts only resulted in securing a tare existence as- a reward for their labours. The labourer was worthy of his hire then; so he is now, and it is too late in the day for your correspondent to tirade against unionism, for the principle is universally recognised as a fair one. Why do the medical practitioners have a union? At the present time our own Premier with others is co-operating to form n closer -mion within the Empire as a protection against unfair outside competition. We only want a fair' thing — it is for that obiect we are struggling. There has been a distinct advance in the price of rent and meat of late years — hence the efforts of the Union to secure a eorrespondingincrea.se in wages. There may be room for some diversity of opinio' % i in regard to certain of our reque.-ts, but against the principle of unionism no fair-minded man can write. As to his capabilities with pick and shovel, self-praies is no recommendation. Therefore I cannot entertain the last resource for finding words. Thanking you for inserting this reply. 7 I am,|etc., ALF. JONES, Sec. Labourers' Union. Wakefield Buildings, I April 16th, 1907. J