FLAX WORKERS AND THE FEDERATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1061, 25 June 1912, Page 3

FLAX WORKERS AND THE FEDERATION.

A representative of this-paper has been in touch with several members of the B'laxmill Kmployees Union who have denounced in no uncertain terms the tactics of a body which thev invariably described- as one caring little for the welfare of the working class, proof of which they contended was to be seen in the hasty manner the Federation leaders precipitated a crisis without at first adopting more diplomatic methods, says the Manawatu Daily Times, Other members contend that the Federation policy was that oi direct action, which had never yet been carried into effect. The time to strike a decisive blow was during the Auckland labourers’ dispute, but the Federation shuffled, bluffed and side-stepped, with the ultimate result that employers are uo longer afraid of bluff, prepared for the worsl, and themselves somewhat eager, to eugage with their euemy in combat. These things, combined, with the leaders’ tactics in repudiating statements made by their colleagues, and their autocratic methods iu general, have all assisted to stem the tide ot feeling which among flaxmill workers was one time flowing into the channels of the Reds, and which is now deviating daily towards such a policy as is laid down by the United Dabour Party, As one member said ‘ For my part I am tired of the Federation leaders, and rather than be swallowed up in the vortex of all that is derogatory to our vvellare, I, lor one, have decided to use my best endeavours towards Irustratiug every effort the Federation ot Dabour may make to secure our further support. And take it from me prospects are very, very poor indeed ot the Waihi members ever receiving euougn trom us to buy any mote agitators’ eloquence with, tnough, ti we asked to do so, we would without hesitation voluntarily subscribe towards a fud tor the men at Reetton, but uo levys tor us.”

Another member said he had good reason tor believing that at the mass meeting to be held in Palmerston North, 27 July, a proposal for seceding trom the Federation of Laboui will be brought up lor consideration.