LABOUR'S LOST CHANCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17269, 19 September 1919, Page 4

LABOUR'S LOST CHANCE

[ Sir,—Much adverse comment is current regarding the tactics of Labour parties in : this country, particularly referring to the miners' " go-slow" policy, and the dictatorial attitude of wharf labourers. No consideration is shown for others, simply any means to benefitself. Were these tactics performed to benefit a community it might be understood, but selfish motives to injure the community— it merely serves to weaken their chance of success. These unjust methods of enforcing ideas have revealed Labour capable of closing down industries, bringing transport to a standstill, throwing thousands out of work, and compelling the cost of living to increase, all to secure better conditions for themselves without resort to arbitration. We should not feel ungrateful tor their actions, though we are suffering. I. for one, am sincerely thankful that they are showing what they are capable of doing before, and not after, the "elections. Labour had a splendid chance of winning a sweeping majority, but by their own actions, which «*iave been fully representative, they have killed their prospects for success at the coming election Their attitude will be remembered by all when it comes to the vote. Moderates, as well as extremists, will have to suffer through these actions, which have had the full sanction of Labour leaders. Imagine us with a Labour Government! What friction, what impossible positions, what selfish motives and attitudes would be pursued regardless of the community as a whole. It is now our duty—and, I think this will be generally recognised—that a Government must be put in that pledges itself to pass a law making it criminal to strike or to resort to go-slow" method* or. in the event of a strike, the strikers to be locked out without reinstatement for a given period, and that all claims be considered solely by arbitration. Faxrplat.