BUILDERS' LABOURERS.

Evening Star, Issue 22457, 30 September 1936, Page 2

BUILDERS' LABOURERS.

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —I am always interested in Mr Ralph Harrison’s letters to you, and always exclaim to myself: “Good old Ralph!’’ Even his worst enemy cannot say that Mr Harrison is a rabid exponent of “class consciousness.” I for one like to credit him with a sincere desire to 'better the conditions of the workers; and, as we in this young country are all workers (excepting always those who are unemployable or prefer sustenance allowance to honest work), it follows that Mr Harrison is out for the betterment of all. But a discordant note is struck when. Mr Harrison lets his love of metaphorical flights of oratory carry him away. His reference to “ parasitical barnacles ” (as applied to employers) is unkind. Does he not know that there are many anxious employers to-day who are unable to see daylight ahead? How many have struggled to establish business (working men all), and have been financially worse off than their employees ? Generally they are probably in sympathy with the aspirations of Mr Harrison up to a point. The realisation of his dreams may spell ruin to many businesses. It is only natural, however, that vicarious suffering idoes hot appeal to them. Mr Harrison is certainly not modest in his demands for labourers, which will be discussed by the Conciliation Court on October 5. Like an old, experienced general,, he considers attack the better form of defence,, and hence his extraordinary demands. ( In conclusion, let me pay this tribute to Mr Harrison. He had the reputation of a good workman, and has now come into public life. It is good to see a man rising above circumstances and taking an intelligent interest in pubho affairs. I wish him all success, and the ability to overcome any tendency towards class consciousness. Thus will ho be the means of helping us all to develop this country in harmony with his ideals.—l am, etc., Also a Worker. September 29.