FEDERATION OP ALL LABOUR.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 766, 15 March 1910, Page 6

FEDERATION OP ALL LABOUR.

— * > ME. D. M'LABEN'S PLAN. - (By Telegraph.—Special, Correspondent.) Christchurch, March .11. Mr. D. M'Laren, member. for Wellington East, reached Christchurch on. Saturday evening after spending several days on the West Coast on a mission that has for its< object the formation of a New Zealand Federation of Labour to consolidate the labour in one national political organisation. . Mr. "M'Laren informed a reporter yesterday, that his visit to the West Coast had been very satisfactory, and he had a hearty reception at all places visited, including Westport, Greymouth, and the mining townships of Blackball,. Brunner, and Kunanga. He had found among the miners a number who were enamoured "of the American idea, known as the "Industrial workers of the world"—a theoretical movement for/bringing all workers into line for the overthrow'of capitalism. As distinguished from a mere insurrectionary movement of this kind, however, the plan which he proposed _ recognised that all the labour organisations now in existence had oome into being'because there were reasons for their growth, and because it. was felt that these organisations would give expression to their objects. . "I am satisfied that the future of the West .Coast lies very largely with the Labour party," said Mr. M'Laren, "and that that , part of the Dominion will elect many public men 'to office as direct Labour representatives. I ; found that even' the people who are not associated with, the trades unions are very largely iinbued with Labour sentiments and principles." In reply to a question as to whether the federation would exercise oontrol in the event of a strike, Mr. M'Laren said that the plan of the federation was clear and distinct. It was to provide federal council representatives of the unions, trades federations, and councils of labour. Bach of these, divisions would have full local autonomy consistent, of oourse, with the avoidance of conflict with the federal body to which they, belonged. The principle in matters of industrial dispute would bo to allow the trades federations or unions to control their own affairs, with the addition ■ that the federal power would stand behind them on the general principles of common defence. The federal executive would'also provide,for an annual Labour Congress, which, from time to time, would decide the line of policy to be taken by what would practically bo the Labour party of New Zealand. On his way . from the West Coast Mr. M'Laren visited the Otira. tunnel works, and discussed labour matters with several of tho men. .