LABOUR’S FALSE LEADERS

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2265, 19 April 1921, Page 4

LABOUR’S FALSE LEADERS

Mr G. X. Barnes, the English Labour leader, ha- no illusions regarding revolutionary theories. “J

sometimes wonder,” he said recently, “how long the trade unionists will continue i:o be confused by the revolutionists who profess to speak in their name. The revolutionist is in some respects as blind as a bat. He does not sec that he is retarding the coming of Communism by permeating the community with an anti-Communistie spirit. There is also a gutter press, which is supposed to be run in the interests of Labour, which panders day by day to the lowest passions of mankind, and degrades Labour in Ihe eyes of those who don’t know it. One of the greatest dangers confronting the community to-day i- that, under the influence of this poisonous propaganda, the great mass of fair-mind-ed but easy-going trade unionists may be stampeded into revolutionary courses which, at the best, would only result in changing the form of economic relations, .and at the worst involve them and others in a common rain. Trade unions ought to be a steadying influence in industry. They should enable lire most able and level-headed men and women to adjust difficulties so that there should be the fairest possible distribution of the largest possible production of-goods. They should contribute in co-operation with public authorities to the maintenance of an equilibrium in production, so ato get the largest possible demand for labour. Trade unionists should be showing that they are fit to lake part in industry on the basis of partnership instead of mere servitude. They should take part in the real constructive work nij the world on terms of equality, but they cannot do it while they are fooled by those who are out only for destruction.” - -