DISUNITED LABOUR.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 837, 8 June 1910, Page 6

DISUNITED LABOUR.

THE AUCKLAND ELECTION. SOME CHRISTCHURCH OPINIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Christchurch, June 7. In view of the fact that a rumour had pained currency to the effect that some of the Labour lenders in Christchurch were opposed to Messrs. M'Cullough, Taylor, and M'Bride posing as official representatives of the Christchurch Labour party in Auckland, a reporter waited on Mr. C. If. Whiting, a prominent member of the Labour party, in order to ascertain the facts of the case. Mr. Whiting said that the party were quite unanimous in sending the gentlemen named up to Auckland to assist the

candidature of a Labour representative for the Auckland East seat.

The facts of the case were that, a short wliilo ago, the Auckland Labour party telegraphed to Christchurch asking for assistance financially and otherwise, and a reply was sent .that Messrs. M'Laren, M'Cullough, Taylor, and M'Bride were available when necessary. A further message was immediately received asking for them to proceed to Auckland at once, and this request was complied with. "There is no difference of opinion among the Labour party on the matter," concluded Mr. "Whiting, "and all statements made! by them up to the present would bo endorsed by tho Labour leaders here."

A different complexion was put on the alleged unanimity in tho matter on the part of Labour, leaders in Christeluirch by tho Hon. J. Ba'rr, who stated that the allegation that some of the Labour leaders in Christchurch were opposed to Messrs. Taylor, M'Cullough, M'Bride, and M'Laren posing in Auckland as representatives of Labour opinion in Christchurch was quite correct. It might also be correct that tho leaders of the so-culled Labour party approved of tho action of tho gentlemen mentioned, and were responsible for sending them to Auckland, bnt then it must be remembered that this Labour party does not represent the opinions of Labour in Christchurch, because the parly is a mere handful of individual;;. It is questionable whether they are all trades unionists. The remarks of Mr. Whiting make it appear that Labour in Christchurch is united, and that the united decision of Labour sent Messrs. Taylor, M'Cullough, M'Bride, and M'Laren to Auckland, but Labour, politically, is not united in Christchurch, and the Jt'Cullough-ctim-Whiting type is very much in the minority at the present moment.

MR. M'KNIGHT'S CANDIDATURE.' On Monday morning ;i mass meeting of Auckland waterside workers was lie]<l, and tlie whole question of-a Labour candidate for the Auckland East scat was thoroughly gone into. A unanimous vole of confidence in Mr. was carried, and a collection made in the room to forward his candidature. Jjessrs. M'Laren and M.'Cnl lough were both present, and spoke in support of Mr. M'Knight's character and integrity. Now arrangements were made in regard to committees, and Mr. >M'Knight announced that he had already taken out his nomination paper, and it would be in the hands of the returning officer not later than the next day. A committer was at once formed and instructed to proceed to the official headquarters of the Labour party in Swanson Street, and there demand tho money already subscribed for Mr. M'Knight's candidature: Mr. M'Knight addresses his first meeting to-night.