THE GENERAL STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19323, 10 May 1926, Page 7

THE GENERAL STRIKE.

Sir, —It is reported that the Alliance of Labour, the Trades Council Federation, the New Zealand Labour Party and the Parliamentary Labour Party have sent the following cable to the British Trades Union Congress"New Zealand Labour movement solidly supports British workers in present struggle. Fraternal greetings and best wishes for victory." . That message as it stands requires some explanation. Does it mean that the movement solidly supports the general strike which has taken place ? Does it mean support for those workers who have seen fit in a dictatorial way to subvert the freedom of the press? If it means either of these, or both, when were the rank and file of the movement in New Zealand consulted on these issues of the general strike policy and the attack on the freedom of the press. It is well known that the men who signed this message have protested often that they stand for freedom of speech and publication. Are they now supporting those who are engaged in a tyrannical censorship and who stop publication of news and comment by direct action methods ? As (he message is worded it answers none of these questions, but no doubt those who receive it will read it as a full endorsement of the action they have taken in sticking up the nation which, if continued, may produce results far more serious than an industrial dispute. The people of New Zealand have never shown much sympathy with the general strike. For some time past the Labour Party men have been professing that they do not want the general strike in New Zealand in any circumstances. If they are. sincere can thev support a Teneral strike at Home, which must cause U'emendous suffering to the workers if continued for any length of time ? Wo do not believe the workers of New Zealand favour the general strike policy and, therefore, any message which may be taken to mean that they endorse that line of action is not justified. We doubt if the rank and file have been consulted at all on the question.. N.Z. Welfare League.