ONE GOVERNMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2151, 17 July 1920, Page 3

ONE GOVERNMENT.

NOT “ONE BIG UNION.”

The attitude of the Government in regard to the “one big union” movement in industrial organisation avus unequivocally stated by the Minister of Labour iii the House of Representatives on Thursday. hour member (M.r M. J. Savage) had l»rought down a Bill to provide for the formation of Dominion unions in any industry. Sir William Herries said that if the Bill were not to he referred to the Labour Bill- Committee lie would have been compelled to oppose it. The Government Avas opposed in every way to Avhat avrs known as the “one big union.” There could only he one Government in the country, and as long as the present Government was on Ihe benches it intended to govern.

A Labour member: “Would you apply Hint to the employers!”

The Minister said that they had seen Avhal was happening at Home, where unions wore telling the Government Avhat it should do in. regard to matters not concerning industry. Labour members: “There’s no such proposal here.” The Minister is Avhat the Labour Bills? Committee will have to see.”

Mr Holland. “We’ll get rid of you -ome day.” The Minister: “Well, you will Avait for that. The lion, gentleman will then he the Government, and he will not alloAv anyone to interfere with him.”

Mr Holland: “We won't allow your party, anyway.”

The Minister: “When the , lion, gentleman gets into a position of responsibility be Avill realise that the Government must have the say, so long as it is the Government.” Labour 'members who spoke subsequently denied that- the Bill proposed to further the of the “one big union,” but at least lavo affirmed the right of unions to organise in this way if they chose. Mr W. A. Veiteh (Wanganui) said he Avould never stand for industrial unions usurping the function of general government, Avhich should reulain in the hands of the elected representatives of the people.