LABOUR ARMY

Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1927, Page 4

LABOUR ARMY

trade corxcn.’s idea. SYDNEY, February 22. The latest and most extraordinary development in Labour circles in Sydney is tbe proposed formation of a volunteer Labour “army,” complete with units, divisions, divisional leaders, and a general staff. An announcement that such an organisation was now under way was made to-day by the secretary of the Trades and Labour Council (Mr Jock Garden).

According to the promoters, the objects of this remarkable “army” are to maintain tbe right of free speech, tho right of assemblage, and the freedom of the lb •css. It is suggested that this organisation should operate under a committee appointed by the Trades and Labour Council of New South Wales and organisations associated with that body to protect the working class “ In the event of international develop-

ments.” The Council is issuing tbe following declaration, the signing of which entitles the person prepared to assist in (nrrying out the objects outlined in it to membership in the organisation:— “ I being in agreement with the purpose of tbe Volunteer Labour Army to maintain the right of free speech, right of assemblage, and freedom of tbe Press, myself to assist in maintaining these rights under the .direction of the combined committee appointed for the purpose hv the New South Wales Labour Council and as- j soeiated organisations.” The suggested method of financing the organisation is that members should pay one shilling for membership and that any further funds should bo made up of donations from Labour organisations. individual members, and sympathisers. Any funds collected in tiffs manner, it is proposed, should he formed into a trust fund of the Trades and Labour Council of New South Wales. The.nucleus of units of the “army,” which may be formed in any city, suburb. nr town, it is provided, shall consist of not fewer than seven members. These units will be entitled to elect a leader, a deputy leader, and a correspondent who shall constitute the management committee of each unit and shall keep in contact wtili headquarters. For purposes of collective, action units may group themselves into divisions. Such divisions may he formed in districts north of Alaitland. Newcastle and suburbs, Lithgow. Woollongong. Broken TTill, and other industrial centres. From tbe combined leaders, deputy-leaders and correspondents of . the units, divisional officers may be selected. •

Right is reserved by the Trades and Labour Council Committee of Organisation to appoint the general staff. Up to the present, so far as can be ascertained, there lias been no general staff appointed.