THE LABOUR SPLIT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3100, 13 August 1913, Page 3

THE LABOUR SPLIT.

DID THE UNITY CONGRESS UNITE?

OTAGO TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCIL SAYS “NO.”

Wo understand that at a meeting of the Tracies and Labour Council on Thursday evening a lengthy and at times heated discussion took- place on the question of the respective merits of the policies of the United Labour party and the United Federation of Labour and Social Democratic parties. A circular issued _by Mr A. W. M‘Car thy severely criticising the methods of some of the union delegates at the recent Labc-U 1 * Conference in Wellington was also reviewed, and the council finally passed the following resolutions : (1) “ That this council repudiates the circular issued by Mr A. M‘Carthy headed ‘The Late United Lalxmr Party,’ ns it contains statements absolutely contrary to fact. and expresses regret that Mr M‘Carthy should have issued such a circular and have adopted such a method of circulating what can only be regarded as his private opinion. (2) “That this council views with regret the failure of the recent congress to bring about unity, and urges the unions to take no action in rejoining the L T nited Federation of Labour or Social Democratic party until the whole position, especially relating to strikes, is made perfectly clear to the members of the unions.” “SUCCESSFUL UNITY CONGRESS.”

The following circular, issued from Wei lington under date July 23, explains it self ;

Fellow Workers, —As a result of the large and successful Unity Congress, which met in Wellington on July 1, and concluded its deliberations on July 10, we have the establishment of the United Federation of Labour on the industrial field, and the Social Democratic party on the political field for the purpose of advancing the interests of the workers in every possible way, and for the purpose of opposing with accumulative and co-ordinated energy, both politically and industrially, the repeated attacks of the organised capitalist class. The events of the past few years have demonstrated beyond all question the necessity for working-class political action. After long and earnest consideration the organised workers of New Zealand have made up their minds to grapple with the political situation in a serious and determined fashion. For the first time we have a political party worthy of the workers’ movement. The Social Democratic party is ro constructed that it must inevitably act with and support every effort of the United Federation of Labour to achieve economic betterment for the workers. In addition to supplementing all industrial efforts, it will carry on an unceasing. educative, and propagandist campaign.”'The workers’ battle must bo fought everywhere. At the point of production, and at the ballot box; industrially, and at all elections, parliamentary, municipal, harbour board, school committees, etc., the fight must be carried on. The Social Democratic party will fight to win. It must, and will, strive unceasingly to obtain every possible benefit for the workers right, here and now, hut over with the intention of steadily advancing towards its ultimate goal —“ The socialisation of the means of production, distribution, and exchange,” and the consequent economic freedom for all. This objective brings the party at once into lino with the intern itional working-class movement. The platform of immediate demands is similar to that adopted by working class parties everywhere. It is eminently

dcsireablo that every Labour Union joining the Social Democratic party should also become affiliated to the United Federation of Labour, and vice versa. The affiliation fees of four shillings per member per annum covers membership of both organisations, if so desired. Any political organisation accepting the constitution can become affiliated to the Social Democratic party on payment of first quarter's contributions". Prompt affiliation on the part of your organisation will help materially at the present time. The party’s organiser (Mr W. T. Mills) was sent to the Grey district immediately the Unity Congress rose, and has been strenuously engaged there. After the Grey cleotion ho will commence a systematic campaign beginning at Dunedin, lie will visit your district in due course. Meanwhile, each supporter should ho an organiser. On behalf of the Social Democratic party, P. Fraser, general secretary.