WORKERS' CONTROL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23492, 5 May 1938, Page 17

WORKERS' CONTROL

XO THE EDITOR

Sir—The subject chosen for presentation to the railway members of the W.E.A. at the commencement of the current term, "Workers' Control," is one of more than usual interest, not only from the point of view of the subject, but also from the manner of, or perhaps more correctly the motive underlying, its presentation. The same subject has also another heading, "Democratic Economy.' I see no relation between the two captions. The first suggests control—in this instance—of the railways on a socialised basis; the second on a demoThe' discussions of all subjects relevant to the status and condition of workers by such a body as the W.E.A. is desirable and possibly beneficial, provided, of course, that investigations are conducted along legitimate lines. When, however, outside speakers and the lecturer revert to suggestive propaganda, which may or may not have the Government's sanction, it seems desirable that some effort should be made to combat this mischievous use of a tutorial privilege. If political propaganda were introduced into the curriculum of public schools much opposition would ensue. The personnel of large Government departments, such as the Post and Telegraph and Railways, is likely to be very susceptible to subversive suggestions—particularly the latter, as it is not altogether amenable to discipline in some respects. The suggestion that any employee, whether in a large Government department or business concern, could transfer out of the works into an administrative position without injury to the concern is about as sane as an assumption that a wardroom attendant could perform a surgical operation or assume the house doctor's duties. I think that the patients would protest. We have ample proof in unbiassed information emanating from # various sources concerning the failure of Socialism as it exists In a practical form particularly in Russia. Trotsky, probably the most able exponent of Bolshevist theorems, admits in his book, entitled "The Revolution Betrayed," that unless the natural outlook of the human race is fundamentally changed, reducing all to a common denominator is impossible. At the present moment, according to this writer, class distinction is more acute, and the condition of the lower strata of workers far more deplorable than at any time existed in capitalistic countries. I recommend the perusal of this work by the W.E.A. Railway Section, or anv other body of workers likely to be jockeyed into a condition of mind which might be dangerous.—l am. etc., G. T. C.