THE GENERAL LABOURERS' UNION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17426, 21 September 1918, Page 8

THE GENERAL LABOURERS' UNION.

TO THE EDITOE. Sir,—l trust that Mr Woodham's clever attempt to divert attention from the real point at issue may mislead but few. I feel sure that it will not deceive you, whose paper lias always championed the cause of the weak and wronged. The simple truth is this: Mr Ormrod nas been robbed of his employment, bocause his patriotic sentiments aro unpalatable to thoso who rule the Labourers' General Union. These men have followed him up, and are doing their best to ruin him. If this is not to be " vindictive," I fail to apprehend tho meaning of the word. I wish I could make all others see this hideous deed as it appears to me. In this fair city are patriotic citizens. There are men and women, too, with generous hearty who loathe all cruelty and wrong. Will they stand by, in callous heedlessness, and watch an honest and patriotic working man dragged down? Mr Woodham complains that I mis represent the facts; but has he considered what Mr Ormrod's fate will bo in the days to come? Already the union has thrown him out of work, and doubtless will do its best to deprive hiin of other jobs. Can Mr Woodham point to a grosser injustice than that? "But," Mr Woodham says, "the union principles must be upheld." Well, what of that The union, surely, has no principles that force it into crushing the individual labouring man. Why, were this so. any single member of the union might suffer Mr Ormrod's fate. No worker would bo safe. To earn his bread by honest toil is every worker's right. The union would rob Mr Ormrod of this. What, then, is he to do? Must he recant and placate his enemies and vow they are right? Is this to be the patriot's reward in the brave little land of loyalty, which is playing so splendid a part in the battle for world-wide liberty ? Must Air Ormrod do this, or must ho and his family starve because tho Labourers' General Union forbids him the right to work?— I am, etc., T. Russell. Dunedin, September 14.