SPECIAL TRADE CONGRESS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11961, 12 December 1919, Page 5

SPECIAL TRADE CONGRESS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, Dec 9

A special Trade Union Congress has opened in Lpndou to consider the nationalisation of mines, the cost of living, unemployment, conscription, and the Russian policy. There are 750 delegates present representing over five million workers. Mr Thomas, presiding, said the management of the coal industry had disgusted owners, irritated miners, and bewildered the public. Labours’ goal was to organise society, not on a basis of class distinction, hut by giving the weakest a fair chance and the strongest an opportunity of helping the weak. Political action was less costly .and easier than industrial. The Trade Unionists were the strongest organisation in the country and must .exercise their power with a due sense of responsibility. Mr Tborne advised the coal owners to sell out as quick as possible as they would not get as good terms from a Labour Government. London, Dec 9. At the Trades Union special congress Mr Smillie, in the course of a violent speech, said a 'strike would bo constitutional, because organised labour was entitled to force the Government on such a question. Nothing would move the Government except force. The congress adopted a resolution demanding remedial measures to reduce the cost of living, also favouring the nationalisation of land, mines, mineral transport, also the prevention of trusts, monopolies, and profiteering.