LABOUR'S OUTLOOK

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10689, 8 September 1920, Page 5

LABOUR'S OUTLOOK

TRADE UNION CONGRESS PRESIDENT DISCUSSES GREAT PROBLEMS.. HOPE TO AVERT COAL STRIKE. By Telegraph-Press Awn.—Copyright Heuter's Telegram. LONDON, September 6. The Trade Union Congress, 'which it is hoped will avert the threatened coal strike by securing mediation between the miners and tho Government, has opened at Portsmouth, with 960 delegates present. JUr J. H. Tnomas, M.jf., in ins address, .said tuat, -looking at the position at itomo and aDroad, ne was an opumist rnueed ivno cuuid nnd occasion lor anyuiing but apprehension. Air Thomas justified tne formation of the Council of Action, and declared that the Council was determined to see tnat the objects for which it was erocted —the complete independence of Poland and peace with Kussia —were achieved. Mr Thomas said he did not believe the workers were anxious to fight against the consolidation of capitalist interests merely for the sake of lighting; but tne other side imust clearly understand that the years of sacrifice which had, placed the worker into the position he held to-day taust notf be lost, and they must be prepared, not as a section, but as a movement, to accept any challenge to their industrial freedom or economic o'mancipation. , Referring, to Ireland, he sard the position was dangerous, and sooner or later could not fail to result in open conflict, the effects of which would shake the very foundations of the Empire "The irish people can still be made the friends of England. Let the Government drop the present bill, and cement that friendship with aho.d and clear recognition of Dominion Home Rule. Let the Government realise that militarism in Ireland has failed, as it was bound to fail, xou cannot dragoon a nation by the sword."

CRISIS NOT MENTIONED BY CONGRESS.

(Received September 7, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 6. Although the coal strike is a general subject of discussion, privately among trade union delegates, the subject was not mentioned an Congress because the situation is at a delicate stage, and public discussion ia . unlikely to do good. ■' -•'

PREVENTING A LOOK-OUT,

LONDON, September 6. _ Anticipating a lock-out, the electrical trade unions have withdrawn their members in Barrow employed by firms belonging to the Engineering and bnipbuilding Trades Federation. Lancashire nnd Cheshire news agents are losing £2&,ooo_as tho result of the compositors' strike.