OTAGO LABOR SPORTS COMMITTEE.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 3 October 1901, Page 3

OTAGO LABOR SPORTS COMMITTEE.

Extraordinary Threats Made.

Haris impotent threats at the

GoYernment.

'he Premier and Ward treat the matter with Contempt.

[Oofi PAELIAMENTAKY EEPOETEE.]

Wellington. October 2,

The Parliamentary correspondent of the Dunedin Star has obtained possession of some extraordinary letters forwarded by the Secretary of the Labor Day Sports Committee to the Colonial Secretary, the Premier and member for the district. The Association in the first instance protested against a totalisator permit being granted to the Dunedin Jockey Club for Labor Day, holding that as the day had been set apart for workers they were justified in claiming a prior right as to say what form of amusement should take place on it. Ward replied that he had advised the Dunedin Jockey Club he was not propared to grant them a permit for Labor Day, however, as a result of pressure backed up by the representations of members from both branches of Legislature belonging to Otago, the permit was granted. Hereupon Lawry, Secretary »f the Labor Day Association wrote a lengthy letter to the Colonial Secretary in the course of which he said, “Should the Dunedin Jockey Club win the day my Association will not only publish the letter and telegram but will leave no stone unturned to return members other than those representing us for we shall consider that you have broken faith with us and have no longer the cause of the workers’ at heart.”

Considering this letter contained a threat and was offensive, Ward did not reply.

The Association next turned their attention to the Premier with the complaint that Ward had broken faith with them in granting the Dunedin Jockey Club permit. The letter goes on to say: “ Some of our representatives having taken exception to certain portions of our letter to the Colonial Secretary, we wish to make our meaning clear. It is this. We will not oppose the return of members, because Ward has broken faith with us, but will oppose any member who supports a Government which includes Ward as one of its party, for we have done with the Hon. the Colonial Secretary and any members who support him, for we have been beaten by one of the strongest opponents of the present Government and labor in general.” The Hon. George M'Lean is evidently the person here referred to. The letter concludes by a complaint that Ward had ignored the Association in the last telegram and asked that the Premier would supply certain information required and would fulfil the promise made two years ago and would attend the Labor Day Sports and Concert at Dunedin this year.

The unkindest cut of all for labor organisations is contained in the fact that the Premier like Ward has not replied to their communication.