P. AND T. ASSOCIATION’S DECISION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 7 April 1922, Page 4

P. AND T. ASSOCIATION’S DECISION

ONE of the most unfortunate tendencies in modern democracies is tho manner in which large bodies of men are somei hues induced to make hasty decisions on ill-considered evidence and with complete disregard for the. probable consequences. Such a decision lias been made by the Rost and Telegraph Association in regard to affiliation wk>- the Alliance of Labour. After making allowance for the largo number of young voters, it is surprising the proposal was carried by so large a majority ; for the oflicials as a whole should have realised that they occupy positions of trust, that they arc pledged to serve the State, and that the position may arise at any moment when they may have to decide between the State, which is the people as a whole, or the dictation of an unconstitutional outside body, which lias for its objective the substitution of worker-control for Slate control. 'lhe Alliance of Labour is a direct action organisation which may any day level a pistol at the general public in an endeavour to turn the present economic system upside down. The R. and T. Service is a good one, efficient, and reliable. As one commentator remarks, the public; will, in default of more convincing evidence, refuse to believe that the postmen who faithfully deliver its mails are in favour of “One Big Union,” which is syndicalism, or that the telegraph operators are liable to establish a soviet and take charge of the telegraph facilities of the Dominion. A more charitable, and on the whole, a sounder interpretation of the. vote is that it reflects a moment of irritation, due in largo measure to departmental economics and the reduction of salaries. Still, if the rest of the community which has had to put up with hard times, is to be kicked into submission or oven if an effort is to bo made in that direction, tho P, and T. Association will' find they will not have things all their own way. The decision has placed largo numbers of men in a very unfortunate position.