MR. ROSSER BANGS THE WAR DRUM

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2135, 29 April 1914, Page 8

MR. ROSSER BANGS THE WAR DRUM

UNDER WHAT FLAG? A circular letter which bears the imprint of a. Red Federation paper and which has been sent out from the Wee Hall, Auckland, has been received by tho Wellington Wharf Labourers Union. Tho 'letter' indicates that tho Red Federationists aro not likely to abandon the idea of getting a foothold in the real Arbitration unions of New Zealand. Following is a copy of tho lottor which is signed by Messrs. Arthur Kosser and B. Martin:— "Bv resolution of the conference or Arbitration Unions held in Wellington this week, we arc directed to forward to vou-r union a copy of the following resolution which was carried unanimously: 'That for tho purpose of solidiiyinn- the forces of labour, and in ordor to more successfully protect the mutual interests of organised labour this conference urge upon the United federation of Labour tho necessity of callin" a conference from all unions tor July 7, with tho object of deciding upon a common lino of action, politically, ' and to discuss and act (if so desired in the direction of as soon as practical 'thereafter becoming affiliated with.tho Australian Labour' Federation.' •"We commend this resolution to the earnest consideration of your union. Tt is absolutely essential that labour .shall be united in view of the recent industrial upheaval and approaching general elections, bat this resolution goes still further. It proposes to link up ivitli Ibo recently established Australian Labour Federation, consisting of upwards of 200,000 members, and in order to prevent isolated industrial activities in cither Australia or Now Zeakml, it is imperative that this affiliation should ho brought about. In tho interests of solidarity your union should l)j represented at tho proposed conference, tho arrangements for whihe the conferenco has asked the United Federation to carry out." When asked if tho Wellington Wharf Labourers' Union intended taking any action in the matter, Mr. E. J. Jones, acting-secretary, said that, as tho, letter had only beeu received yesterday morning ho could not say anything on behalf of his executive. Speaking personally, howejer, Mr. Jones said that it was peculiar that, seeing that the Wellington Wharf Labourers' Union was tho largest Arbitration Union in tho Dominion, they had not been asked to send a representative to the recent conference of so-called Arbitration unions in AV'ellington. "On top of thai," ho continued, "these people have the impudence to send this circular letter to us. I think that it- is u direct insult to tlm union."