New Zealand Notes

Industrial Unionist, Volume 1, Issue 7, 1 August 1913, Page 4

New Zealand Notes

In spite of the reactionary trend of things, in certain quarters, there is a distinct warming towards sound Industrialism and militant methods- —minus politics; in other words, towards 1.W.W.ism. The unmistakable billet-seeking efforts of some leaders and the marked incompetency of others, together with the steaxly economic pressure due to changing conditions, are forcing rebelliously-in-clined, but easy-going, slaves to do some hard thinking, and to bestir themselves on their own behalf —to place less trust in leaders and more trust in themselves. This is not confined to any particular district; in many places there are indications of greater solidarity to come.

Tom Barker will' soon go South, accompanied by a formidable bluey-full of dynamite (mental), guaranteed to blow up some iron-bound notions re emancipation by ballot paper. Tom travels under the august auspices of the N.Z. direct action outfit, but doesn’t expect any brass bands to meet him en route, and as the treasury is empty, he will not be able to glide down the Main Trunk ‘ ‘ first-class ’ ’—in the fashion approved by really responsible leaders —but is more likely to be seen emerging in the stilly night from under a tarpaulin on some ‘ ‘ goods, ’ ’ bound Bluff-wards, unless you, reader, send lialf-a-cart-wheel to the “ tarpaulin muster” known as the “half-crown organising fund. ’ ’

The answer to the puerile innuendos of those who are barren of reasoned argument against the I.W.W. and won’t attack openly for fear of advertising us is: The N.Z. circulation of the Industrial Unionist has increased by 1000 during the last two months. For a monthly paper this is certainly A 1 and somethingextra, The “ I.U. ” fears nothing except financial strangulation, so boost it along, you scattered rebels ! and see that the nimble sheet gets a ’square deal. Send for a bundle at 9d. the dozen; get your mates to subscribe.

AUCKLAND. I.W.W. activities have Been up to the usual mark during the past month. ‘ ‘ The only live labour body in Auckland ” is a common comment. The local paper sales have been exceptional. The literature department, somewhat somnambulent of late, has been shaken up —this most valuable medium of education must never be neglected; when speakers are scarce and papers fail, the handy pamphlet is always available as a silent propagandist,

A good suggestion: that a profit of at * least 25 per cent, be made on all literature. This would enable the organisation to build up a good literature department. If literature is only sold at, or about, cost price, the overtaxed members will never be done ‘ ‘ digging-down. ’ ’ The half-yearly general meeting of the Auckland local took place recently. All reports were satisfactory. Our newspaper commission agent (Fellow-worker Mrs. Chapman) sold 650 “I.U.’s” in two weeks. The secretary’s report was encouraging re finance; that of the paper was the reverse. The local was able, however, to hand a sum over to the “ 1.U.” committee, thus matters were adjusted. During the half-year over 100 outdoor meetings have been held; a 3000 edition of a Id. pamphlet has been issued and a 2000 edition of a 2d. one. The former is more than half exhausted, the latter more than two-thirds. An issue of 2000 leaflets is now ready. It is not likely that any of these will be reprinted, but fresh matter will be issued as soon as funds permit. 1500 copies of the Constitution are just off the press. Local 1 has moved to “ larger and more commodious premises ” (!) Corresponding rebels, please note the change. A series of short weekly indoor lectures starts on the first Sunday in August, 8 p.m. Advertise them and bring a mate. The semi-annual election of the newspaper publication committee resulted as follows:—Manager, C. Blackburn; assistant committeemen, W. Patterson, A. Iloldsworth and P. Short; editor, F. Hanlon. _ Now, you real rebels, let’s all get right down to it ! All co-operate; eliminate personal friction and all do something, and by the end of the year we’ll have the Boss ropeable.—P.K,