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WHY THE BASIS OF UNITY?

By P. H. Hickey, Secretary Unity Congress Committee. The Basis of Unity arrived at by the Trades Union Conference has made pos-tible in New Zealand a united working-class movement. All are agreed that such a movement is highly desirable. And since it is highly desirable, it is equally desirable that the foundation of that unity shall be sound. Without a foundation that will stand the test of time, of capitalist development, and of science all efforts in the direction of unity are largely a waste of time and energy. The working-class movement that is true to itself differs from all other movements in so far as it aims not at attempting to perfect or patch up the present social order, but to replace it by a social system where democracy will rule in industry, instead of the individual ruling democracy, as is the case to-day. In other word 3, any movement that professes to work for the well-being of Labour must insist that the means of life shall be socially owned and controlled in order that all who render useful social service may have free access to them.

Sympathy with Labour that does not purpose to make the social para- 1 sites dismount from the toiler's back is merely snivelling hypocrisy. The only effective sympathy is tG work for the ending s of the profit system. Contained in the Basis submitted is the recognition of this vitaj pricniple —a principle insisted upon by the international movement of the w.orkingclass.

The Basis provides for two organisations for Labour—industrial and political. Since unionism is admitted by all as most, essential to Labour, the proposals submitted for the consideration of New Zealand's workers set down the - most powerful form of industrial organisation known—that of industrial unionism. If unionism is a good thing for the workers, let them have the best. There is a recognition, too, that in this form of oragnisiation the interests of the many should be paramount. The l3asis further provides for the democratic election of officers. Every member of the proposed United Federation of Labour will have an equal voice in the election of those entrusted with the administration of bis or her industrial affairs.

All the time the organisation will fight to protect and advance the wellbeing of its members here and now, but never losing sight of the fact that, despite the concessions wrung from the exploiting-class, the war will go on, as far as the United Federation is concerned, till the whole of the workers are assured of the full product of their labour.

The Social-Democratic Party is submitted as the political patty of the workers. In name and objective it is in [keeping with the great international movement. It boldly proclaims that it stands for the socialisation of the collectively used means of production, distribution and exchange. It is prepared to carry un the battle for better conditions here and now, but will not complete its task till the ex-ploiting-clasß is entirely wiped out. Briefly, these are the things Labour is asked to accept in order to end the deplorable differences of the past. Are they reasonable? Would their acceptance haßten the coming of the be'.ter time? Let the workers of New Zealand ask themselves these questions, earnestly and sincerely, and if satisfied, go forth among their comrades, inspiring missioner in a • glorious case.

I have no regrets for the differences of the past. They were unavoidable. Feeling ran high at times, 'tis true, and it may run high again. Strong men always feel bitter and speak bitterly when cherished convictions are attacked. And strange but true, in variably denounce in the strongest terms these nearest our point of view. Those who hold aloof merely because of personal prejudices are not honest in thier desire for complete solidarity. The movement is far greater than any individual, or group of individuals. Let us remember what Thoreau said: "It is never too late to give up our prejudices." Let it be insisted upon, too, tbat if the working-men and women of this country want unity they must work for it and help pay for it. Said Voltaire: "It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere." Emancipation cannot be had on the cheap. I am for the Basis of Unity because I want unity. In order that unity may be secured, I sincerely trust that it will be borne in mind that unity cannot be had upon any terms. Many are prepared to go a long way to secure unity.- but they do insist upon fundamentals being observed, Given unity upon sound lines, what glorious possibilities await Labour in New Zealand. With education and organisation as our watchwords, we will inaugurate a campaign that will win New Zealand for all time from the gang of political dodoes who have so grossly mismanaged matters for many years—a campaign that will usher in the Better Day. All will nut be plain sailing. The fight may be a long one—will be a bitter one. But the goal is worth it all.

The work of the U.F.L. and the S.D.P. will be that of which Victor Hugo wrote: — "The transformation of the crowd into the people—profound task! It is to this labour that the men called Socialists have devoted themseves during the last 40 years. A cetrain hatred of Socialism, very blind, but very general, has raged for many years, andtis still raging very

bitterly among the influential classes. Let it not be forgotten that true Socialism has for its end the elevation of the masses to civic dignity, and that, therefore, its principal care is for moral and intellectual cultivation."

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/KCC19130326.2.7

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 553, 26 March 1913, Page 3

Word count
Tapeke kupu
946

WHY THE BASIS OF UNITY? King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 553, 26 March 1913, Page 3

WHY THE BASIS OF UNITY? King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 553, 26 March 1913, Page 3

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