BATTLING FOR THE EMPIRE

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1928, Page 13

BATTLING FOR THE EMPIRE

LABOUR SPARS WITH MR. COATES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Sept. 20. “I wish I could be sure everybody in this room would be willing to battle for the British Empire,” said the Premier, in replying to a request made by a deputation representing the Labour movement that New Zealand should have representation at the International Labour Conference at Geneva. “I should be very glad if that were the ground of your request—the good of the British Empire.” Mr. Roberts, secretary of the Labour Alliance: “Well, I can tell you I shall battle for the workers of tlio British Empire against the sweated labour of India and China. I uhall not battle for British jingoism, however. I shall battle for British industrialism and the British worker against any other worker in the world.” Mr. Coatee: "Charity begins at home.” Mr. E. Kennedy: “You didn’t worry much about that when you appointed the crew of the Maui Pomare.” Mr. Coates: “Don’t talk to me like that, Mr. Kennedy. The members of the crew of tho Maui Pomare are as much British as you, and probably more so.” I Mr. Kennedy: “But you should not sweat them.” Mr. Coates: “Did I sweat them? Mr. Walsh, of the Seamen’s Union, has been negotiating over the matter, and I understand it is settled.” Mr. Kennedy: “It is not settled, so far as the people I represent are concerned.” Mr. Roberts: “There is to be another conference.” Mr. Coates: “I did not know’ that. I left it to them to settle. I was not responsible for it, although I suppose I shall have to take tho responsibility. I think you are out of court in bringing the matter up now, Mr. Kennedy, here.” Other members of the deputation intervened and carried the discussion into other channels.