WORKING THE ORACLE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8702, 8 April 1914, Page 6

WORKING THE ORACLE

According to a Press Association telegram, the Westport Waterside Workers’ Union on Monday evening decided 'to refuse an invitation from the Social Democratic party to a meeting called for yesterday. Tho meeting of the union expressed ite lack of opposition to “the principles of social democracy,” but found it impossible to disconnect tbe Social Democratic -party from the United Federation of Labour, and went on to condemn the policy of the federation during the recent strike. Determined, apparently—we say apparently— to “go the whole bog,” the union, wo are informed, further resolved to present the following glowing testimonial to the leader of the New Zealand Tory party: —

That the secretary bo instructed 1 to convey to Mr Massey, Prime Minister and Minister for Labour, the sincere thanks of the Westport Waterside Industrial Union of \A others for the attitude adopted by his Government during the recent industrial disturbance in providing police protection for the bonafide workers throughout New Zealand, and particularly for the protection afforded in opening the Westport waterfront. Wo hare no doubt that the Prime Minister will have this resolution carefully framed and hung in the most conspicuous place that the combined wisdom of the (Ministry can devise. But

most people who possess ordinary powers of discernment will purely be able to detect the influences of “Reform” operating from behind the scenery. The chairman of the Westport Harbour Harbour Board—chairman by tins votes of Tory nominees, men who owe their places on the board, strange to say, to the favour of the Rainbow Minister who has urged the destruction of the Labour party!—a Mr Munro, and the same Mr Munro has been solected as the “Reform” candidate for the Bullcr seat at the coming election. Now, it so happens that the now union of watersiders at Westport is composed largely of Mr Munro’s friends, and that they depend for their livelihood upon being employed and paid by Mr Munro’s board. There are such things as wheels within wheels, and the “Reformers” who were wont to represent themselves as well-night immaculate (they are dropping that folly somewhat nowadays) are becoming quite adept at making" those wheels revolve in tho right direction. Wo do not bolievo anv union of workers has the slightest admiration for the attitude of Mr Massey and his Government during the strike" The Westport incident"is merely a little illustration of “Reform” stagecraft.