"STRATFORD EVENING POST" MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1929. THE COMMUNISTS' CHALLENGE.

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 68, 25 March 1929, Page 4

"STRATFORD EVENING POST" MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1929. THE COMMUNISTS' CHALLENGE.

A CABLE from Sydney published in •the Post on Saturday disclosed a remarkable state of affairs in labour circles, and there is good ground for the alarm expressed by moderate unionists. The strikers have decided to publicly burn the papers issued tb them for the (purtpose of conducting a secret ballot, and in addition they will burn an effigy of Judge Lukin, of the Arbitration Court, and send the ashes to I the judge. The latter gentleman j i s not likely to be alarmed at this ■undoubted expression Of rage on thf ■' part! of certain subversive elements, and they are not likely to even have the doubtful satisfaction of annoying him. The serious part of the intention lies in the fact! that it is a deliberate challenge, not only to the Arbitration Court and the Federal Government, hut' to all that stands for constitutional authority. It is an act which cannot be allow--1 ed to go unchallenged, and although it 1 is difficult to se o what is the best method of meeting the situation, something must be done. As is well known, the Communists, who have no other ahn but the overthrow of the existing order of things, have great influence in the labour: movement in Australia, and gradually the more sober elements are finding control slipping from their grasp. It is safe to say that the average worker, knowing what is entailed by a strike of any dimensions, is not anxious to participate in an upheaval which may cost 1 him his livelihood, as was the case in connection with the recent waterside trouD le On that occasion th e Federal Government took action which led to the engagement and protection of volunteer labour, and the strikers found themselves minus their employment. Yet, knowing that r similar state of affairs is likely to occur in the timber workers' upheaval, a strike is forced, and those who have no desire for it have to „ fl out with the others. They cannot, help themselves. Things are . liable to go from bad to worse if not grappled with, and although it is not easy for the CoVernment to decide upon a plan of action, one must be instituted and the Australian labour movement cleaned up. Howover drastic the steps taken may be tt> deal effectively with the Communists in Australia, it is certain the more moderate section of the community, which is undoubtedly in the majority, will support them.