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Hokitika Guardian, 5 August 1926, Page 1

one likely to increase the wages of their clients, they are, I think, very seriously mistaken, and I should bo reluctant to believe that Mr Cook’s expression that lie was a humble disciple of Lenin really means he was prepared to welcome these subventions if their purpose is what they declare them to be, to make * revolution in this country.

“No decision upon these matters has been arrived at by the Government. There has, indeed, in the pressure of publio events been no opportunity of rebelling such a conclusion. “I go with confidence, however, so far as to say that whatever decision may bo reached in the matter, there is a real distinction between the private contributions proceeding from feelings of - genuine charity to assist tho cause of people who are suffering as the rseult of industrial disturbances and tho contributions which proceed from ia foreign Government. “Whatever conclusion is reached by tho Government, that distinction must bo and ought to he borne in mind. ( Cheers).

“No olio would suspect that the Government has any desire except that tho men in the coal industry should receive the maximum wage which that industry can economically offer, but equally no one would suggest that we intend, whatever trials we have to support, to be pushed or bullied into a course which wo know to he profoundly uneconomic and which must involve us in greater destruction than if we set our teeth now and decide to face the issue as we faced the shorter and swifter events of tlio general strike. (Cheers).