The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1929 THE LABOUR ATTITUDE AT HOME

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1929 THE LABOUR ATTITUDE AT HOME

| if the recent Trades Union Congress at Belfast proves noteworthy in no other way it should be memorable for the fact that the British Labour organisations have made it an occasion for a solemn repudiation of Bolshevism and all its works. The report devotes considerable space to an analysis of Communist methods, and declares emphatically that the object of the Minority movement is “not to voice honest criticism and to use the unions as democratic machinery, but to divide and conquer the unions with the object of imposing a Communist autocracy.” Not only this, but the report states definitely that those responsible for the destructive operations of the Minority group are “acting under instructions from Moscow” and under the direction of the Tliird (Communist) International, “from which its finances are largely derived.” The report expresses regret that action was not taken earner to protect labour against these insidious attacks. But it also expresses confidence that the unions are now “capable of stamping out this disruptive activity.” So much for the Bolshevik dream of subverting capitalist Britain by “white-anting” British unionism. It is well that it is so, and there is confirmation of tlife position in the demeanour of the Labour Ministry at Home. Mr MacDonald and his colleagues have been busy grappling with large national and international issues, and there has not been the opportunity, if there were the inclination, to attemnt legislation of a specially socialistic trend. Regarding that, the Government was given to understand" at the outset that “the free run” it might enjoy on matters of general policy would be curtailed if a policy of socialism, were brought clown. Certain members of the Government, including Mr Snowden who made so famous a name for himself in regard to the reparations, gave it out in advance that there were certain advanced lines of policy they wou'd take up when opportunity offered. Those steps have not been taken, and while the issues are left in repose the Government will he safe. When Mr MacDonald returns from the United Spates witn honours thick upon him, some of the rank and file may become restive tnat socialistic planks are not being brought forward. Mr MacDonald is an avowed Socialist, but bis experience has taught him that socialism may not be brought about by revolutionary methods, hut by evolutionary. It has been suggested that when the Prime Minister settles the large national Is- • sues he has in hand that he will be disposed to court an appeal to the electors in the hope that Labour may gain a straight-out majority of members to pursue its own policy with-

out dependence on any of the other parties in the House. The possible success at the noils, however, would lie dependent just on the issue before the people. We believe that Mr MacDonald has gauged the political feeling at Home very accurately, and that he wou.d not lie disposed to take undue risks with any fantastic policy. He has the assurance now that if working along stable lines the Government pursues a rational policy, there will be no. suggestion of attempting to oust the party holding power by the good will of the other political parties. Mr MacDonald, as also his colleagues, have been very moderate in their expressed views since assuming the yoke of office, and it is pleasing to find that the more sensible attitude in regard to large responsibilities is being taken by the Ministry generally. There In is been tne suggestion that consideration of Empire interests as a whole has not been too prominent, and in that regard the concession to Egypt and the proposal to drop the Irak mandate have been remarked, upon. Mr Thomas’ trip to Canada, and the free consultation with the Empire delegates in respect to matters at the League of Nations, however, rather indicate that' the solidarity of the Empire is something worth caring for. On the whole, therefore, it would, appear that the Labour Government at Home is making a reasonable showing, and in respect to some of the large matters which have cropped up, has made history. A.long those lines there must be growing confidence at Home in tne Labour Government.