A NOTABLE CONVERSION

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1929, Page 2

A NOTABLE CONVERSION

(Exchange.)

it is 'forty years since Air Ben Tillett first became a conspicous figpre in British Labour circles, and for the greater part of this long period be has been associated or identified with the extremist “ left wingers ” who have set up as their principal aim and object the destruction of the existing industrial’ system. Since the war, however., Mr Tillet has detached himself almost entirely from the Communist section of the workers, and he is no longer content with the negations of Alarxism. But even allowing for this gradual modification of his views, the presidential address which he has just delivered to the Trade Union Council at Belfast lias come as a surprise to friends and foes alike. His proposal for “ inter-Dominiow conferences of organised Labour throughout the Empire ” may perhaps he regarded principally as a scheme to strengthen the hands of Unionism and to secure sup port for the British Labour organisations from British wage-earners everywhere. But he has also urged the necessity for building up trade connections with the Dominions, and he seems now to realise the immense importance of the colonial market to the Old Country. This at least is the interpretation put upon his words by ' nexvspapers o'f such different character as the “Daily Chronicle” and the “Morning Post”; and the fact certainly deserves to he regarded as a most interesting and significant sign of the times. Here w r e have a Labour leader, once notorious for his aggressively militant policy, now' arguing in favour of consolidating the existing economic system by peaceful means, and advising his followers to regard the Empire no longer as a superfluous burden or the prize of “a blood-stain-ed Imperialism,” but as a source of wealth 'for Britain and of strength for British Labour. Perhaps', as the “Morning Post” suggests, if Mr Snowden reflects • carefully on what Air Tillett has said, he may not be so ready to abolish Preferential Trade after all.