GIGANTIC LABOR ALLIANCE,

Waipawa Mail, Volume XLVI, Issue 147, 9 September 1925, Page 3

GIGANTIC LABOR ALLIANCE,

THE COMING FIGHT. SOLIDARITY OF TRADE UNION MQVEMENT.

(Electric Telegraph.—Copyright). LONDON, September 7. Proposals for a gigantic labor alliance, coupled with shadows threatening to becloud relationships of several big industries, promise to provide a momentous session of the Trade Union Congress which opened at Scarborough. Mr Smnles, in his presidential address, referred to the increasing seriousness of the economic and social conditions during the past year. He dwelt on the soundness with which the trade union movement had emerged from a period of unparalleled crisis since 1920. He urged the employers who thought that the organised worker could be still further driven hack to take warning therefrom. He declared that the demonstration of solidarity of the trade union movement in connection with the miners’ struggle had given hope to the whole movement. He drew attention to the trend of amalgamation, which was shown by the fact that there had been a 15 per cent, reduction in the number of separate unions in five years. He demanded an extension of trade with Russia, expressed sympathy with the workers’ struggles in India and China, and regretted that an international front had not yet been secured, through differences with Amsterdam and Moscow. Mr Smnles concluded by declaring that a new phase of development which would be entered noon next throughout the world would probably he the last stage of the revolt. He appealed to the workers to solidify their movements and be prepared with machinery and men for the final struggle. Mr Smalcs assured the political labor party of the full cooperation of the industrial movement. RUMORED SPLIT DENIED. Subsequently Mr Fred Bramlev, secretary of the congress, mentioned that consultations were in progress with the Labor party with a view to securing new general headquarters for the whole movement. Mr Bromley denied the rumors of a split between the political and industrial sections. Mr Cramp, railwayman’s representative, moved an amendment opposing the general council’s proposal to establish general headquarters. Mr J. H. Thomas, who resented past attacks on the Labor Government, supported Mr Cramp, but Mr Cramp withdrew his amendment after Mr Bromley had given an assurance that if the proposal was adopted the council would not proceed with the scheme until after the next conference. The proposal was adopted and the congress adjourned.—(Reuter). WARM DISCUSSION. GENERAL COUNCIL’S AUTOCRATIC POWERS. (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, September 8. Warm interchanges marked the discussion at the Trade Union Congress. A resolution was moved that the union was the vehicle of the workers conferring on the general council autocratic powers to call a stoppage or order a general levy on noilaffected unions in order to support a union striking In defence of a vital trade union principle. Mr Thomas objected that delegates had not had an opportunity of considering the proposals. Several delegates shouted, “The miners have.” Mr Cook rose, excitedly pointed at Mr Thomas, and advised him to look after himself. Mr Thomas said the general council carried the movement with them in the miners’ dispute under the powers they already had. He added that the spirit was always forthcoming at the right time, but said, “Do not prostitute vour powers. ’ Mr Clynes suggested that the rank and file ought to have asked for the necessary authority. Mr Bovin supported the resolution but did not want forced unity. The discussion was adjourned to enable the standing orders committee to meet representatives of the unions. —(Renter).