INDUSTRIAL UNITY

Southland Times, Issue 23142, 8 March 1937, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNITY

SOUTHLAND COUNCIL TO BE RESUMED ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT OF ALLIANCE For some time now the Southland branch of the Trades and Labour Council has ceased to function. Recently those more actively engaged in industrial matters came to the conclusion that the time was ripe for the council again to function and take its place in the industrial life of the community. A successful meeting of delegates from all unions was recently held in Invercargill for the purpose of reviving interest in the council. Mr L. Edmond (Ohai), and Mr D. W. Stalker (Invercargill) were appointed, chairman, ana secretary respectively until such time as the council was in a position to appoint office-bearers. When L. Glover, president of the New Zealand Alliance of Labour, visited Southland the opportunity was taken to ask him to give an address on industrial unity. Mr Glover consented to do so at short notice. Mr Edmond, in welcoming Mr Glover, said he hoped that something tangible would be the outcome of the meeting, and that when the New Zealand Council was formed Southland would not be the least important part of it. A National Organization Mr Glover, in opening his address, asked the question: “Do we want unity?” The matter of a constitution was not so vital if unity were not desired, he said. If, however, unity were in the forefront, then the lack of a constitution would not be a bar to progress. The speaker mentioned that if the conference had been called two months ago, as was originally intended, it would not have been a success for many reasons. Over a period of 35 years there were traces of organizations such as trades and labour unions, the Alliance of Labour, and many other councils working similarly in the various towns throughout New Zealand. There was, however, a lack of unity in these councils. In 1908, the Miners’ Federation formed its organization and affiliated with the United Federation of Labour, an organization which at that time did not completely fill the bill. This was noticed in the big fight at Waihi in 1913, but that trouble did a great deal of good towards national unity. It was now proposed to have a national organization and local branches in most of the towns, and it was hoped by this means that districts would be able to send representatives to a national conference, and place the ideas of the workers in each district before the council with the idea that a united front would be accomplished. Mr Glover spoke of the many difficulties met in the past because of separate organizations, and the difficulties that still confront unionists in the forming of a national organization. It was hoped that when the workers had the matter more fully explained all these would be wiped away, and the trade unionists of the Dominion would be moulded into an organization for the betterment of those people engaged in industries.

“The outlook at the present time is very bright and there is no reason why it should not continue so provided that the workers are given an intelligent lead and that men in industries are able to express their ideas without fear,” he said. “Personalities must not be allowed to bar progress, and those people who are not prepared to sink their differences for the benefit of the great number of workers fnust be made to realize that self can no longer be a bar to the progress of industrial unity. Owing to human nature, this is not easy to accomplish, but we feel that eventually sound sense will prevail and that the voice of the worker will be the determining factor in the drafting of a constitution.

Differences In Background

“The late Mr H. E. Holland during his busy life in the interest of th 2 workers,” said Mr Glover, “made it clear that petty personal differences must be put in the background for the benefit of the workers of this Dominion. The two parties functioning in New Zealand at the present time, the Alliance of Labour and the Trades and ’ hour Council, are really working for the one end. Certain differences exist, but I hope that these will be shortly overcome and that a conference will be called about Easter time this year, when it is hoped to put before the delegates something of a constructional nature to enable the workers to return to their districts and explain the aims and objects of the proposed council. It is hoped by this means that the workers will be made aware of what is intended on their behalf, and for their benefit, and that then district councils will be set up with representatives from all unions with one constitution and function for the welfare of one industrial labour movement. The issue is now of national importance. Labour has been asked by the people: of New Zealand to govern, and it is now necessary for the workers to show that they are behind the movement and to back up the Government in every way.” Mr Glover explained what could be accomplished by national unity. He referred to the fact that a representative of the workers was being sent to Geneva. He believed the delegates to this International Labour Conference gave very real service, but unless the recommendations of the conference were carried out it seemed a waste of time sending delegates. It was recognized, however, that eventually a great amount of good must accrue through the exchange of views of delegates at an international conference. The 40hour week was also mentioned by Mr Glover. While some were able to enjoy extra leisure, he said, others were not so fortunate, but it was hoped that eventually, by unity of action, all would have the same hours a week. This would enable the workers to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Arbitration Court

The Arbitration Court also came under review, and Mr Glover said he was of the opinion that if Cabinet were faced with a national request for a more sympathetic Court, effect would be given to the wishes of the people. Mr Glover emphasized the point of union secretaries not pulling together as much as was desired. He gave instances of strife between workers, mostly arising from misunderstandings between those guiding the unions today. It was a case of “Too many cooks spoiling the broth.”

“It is hoped, however, in the very near future to consolidate some of the smaller unions, thereby making for economical control and better organization,” he said. “This would also obviate inexperienced men taking cases before the Conciliation Council and making agreements detrimental to the workers in other centres.” Mr Glover made it clear that he was not in favour of too much centralization. It was, of course, necessary to have a parent body, but he believed that districts should have certain autonomy concerning their finances and domestic affairs. He also made it clear that Labour would remain in power as a government only with the backing of powerful industrial organizations. It was apparent to all who read and (Studied politics that all governments

made mistakes, but as time went on any slips made by the present Government would be rectified as experience was gained. Mr Glover mentioned the impending departure of the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) for England, and said that with the delegates from other bodies to the Coronation, the bill of expenses would be very large. But if it were right for capital to be represented, surely it must also be right for labour to be adequately represented at these important functions in order to enable those who guided the destinies of the country to exchange views with men in high positions in other parts of the Empire. Mr Glover gave details of the tentative proposals of the national council. It was proposed that the name of the new council would be the New Zealand Industrial Labour Council, incorporating the present Trades and Labour Council and the New Zealand Alliance of Labour. These latter two councils would then drop out, and when the district councils were formed the National Council would function with advantage to the workers.