Another View of Unionism.

Manawatu Herald, 27 October 1892, Page 3

Another View of Unionism.

The Winton Herald - reports a meeting of; about seventy members of the Australian Workers' Union, held at Bondooru Station woolshed, at which the speakers appear to have been unanimous in denouncing Unionism as expounded by the Union leaders; During the meeting tba chairman (Mr H. Brayhain) aalds^r Have aired: my eloquence in pUßlicbefore oh more than one bc-qaaioiii-^The last time my oratory prooured me three months board and j lodging gratis in a dungeon.. (Laugh- i teri) Sinoe that eminent statesman ' and friend of labour (Sir G. Griffiths) i baa recognised that the former course he pursued was the way that leadeth the aolony to destruction, a humble individual like myself need nob scruple to confess that I have erred most grievous'y, and lam now sensible that Unionism as conducted at present does not benefit the honeit worker— (cheers) — who contributes to the support of the socalled organisers, and who would he tnore in their element as "barrel organ grinders," (laughter) and agitators whose policy is destruction, factious r vipers with wrangling talents formed for foul debate, and I have resolved to rend the bond that links me to a Society which secures and retains its members by coercion." (Loud applause and uproar.) Mitt. Stout, the new speaker, said that before the Maritime strike he was bead of a stevedore gang, owned an allotment of land . and a cottage, likewise a sum of money In the Savings Bank. This blissful state would have continued, but the .strike .leaders vowed vengeance on him and his if he did not join them. To his horror and ruin be did ; he lived on his savinga, which he soon exhausted, then he haft to. sell his property, and not being- able to obtain employment after the dreadful strike, had to leave the scene of hi 3 former joys and ,atter sufferings. He would no longer Discounted as a member of th.«TJnion, and : would save his money instead of lavishing it on beings who ■fiad instigated outrages. Mr Eoakee characterises the labour leaders as Jairds of prey whose path was marked by havoo. Several others addressed Ihfrtaeettog.andthe Chairman itfyited all those who intended to Moede from the Union to deposit their tifefcets on the table. Fortynine availed themselves of the offer, and the Chairman consigned them ?o a fire that was kindled for that purpoie in the shed.