MR D. P. FISHER’S DEFENCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 2847, 16 June 1896, Page 4

MR D. P. FISHER’S DEFENCE.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —What shall I be chargroA ■h-itkbßfct by “ Federated” ? First Uo Charged irto with double-dealing, but I conclusively cleared myself of tho charge. In his last letter ho charged me with inconsistency, and ho quoted a letter I wrote in 1893 to prove his case. He ignores, fact that circumstances alter,cases. I'liro'o years ago I objected to the way in Which the Trades Council’s biisinoss Wa6 riiiiiajjed, but the objection t then ut-gcd does not apply, to t'.vb present Trades Council. Thhb has brought about a change in tho affairs of the Council. Apparently “ Federated’s " view of consistency is that, becauso I 01 co found fault with the Council, I must continue to ” n a fault with it till the end tm6 . view of the u i am perfectly consistent in now belonging to the Council and in trying to form the federation. I have no hesitation instating that “ Federated’s ” object is to prevent tho federation if possible, and likewise to vent his spleen upon me. Why does my opponent sign himself "Federated?” Ho is no more a federated man than is a Chinaman. If ho is attacking me and federation in the interests of workers, why does he not put his name to his letters ? Why sail tinder false colours? The-e is no doubt about the federated un’e is of the Trades Council wan iug federation ; their representatives unar : mously decided for it. in this matter the Trades Council is deserving of the thanks of tho workers, as it has agreed to, as it were, efface itself so as to leave a clear course for the federation of the whole of tho unions. If federation does not take place the fault will rest with “F' ’orated" and those who think with him.—l am, &c..

D. P. Fisher. [This correspondence must now close.— Ed., N.Z. Times.] _____