NOTES AND COMMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8181, 24 July 1912, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS

As the plough is the typical instrument of industry, so the fetter is the typical instrument of the restraint or subjection necessary for its nation —either literally for its evil-doers, or figuratively, in accepted laws, for its wise and good men. Wise laws and just restraints are to a noble nation not chains, but chain mail —strength and defence. Therefore the first power of a nation consists in knowing how to guide the plough, its second power consists in,knowing how to wear the letter. —Ruskin.

From yesterday’s Feilding “Star”: A meeting of the local branch of- the United Labor Party is timed for 7.45 o’clock to-morrow evening in the library room. This meeting is to be held for the purpose of enrolling members, and all interested are invited to attend. The local branch, whose history dates back to Professor ■ Mills’ last visit, has been actively engaged organising, and has already brought Feilding into prominence in the Labor Page of the “N.Z. Times.” The United Labor Party wish it to be distinctly understood that they are • not in sympathy with the tactics adopted by the Federation of Labor. They seek for social reform in a rational manner. The philosophy of anarchy and the tactics of syndicalism stand condemned and find no place in their platform. •.« « • •

Howard, of Christchurch, is still saying strange things about the Federation of Labor and those who cannot agree with them. It is not the purpose of the United Labor Party to “kill the federation,'’ as Mr Howard reports. We would bo quite content if wo could convert the federation to some idea of the Labor movement. - « * • •

No, it was never said by any spokesman of tho United Labor Party, “Let the women and children starve.” What was said was that supporting the organisation which caused tho situation which was the occasion for the hunger would not relievo the hunger. It- was Mr Howard’s own federation which refused relief except it should bo given to support the organisation —not the hungry children.