CORRESPONDENCE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3819, 17 July 1928, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE

(To the Editor.)

Sir. —In regard to the question of opening up the mills, I would suggest that the employees meet representatives of.the millers on the following grounds, as a basis: That a sliding scale be introduced, in order to get the mills working. I would also suggest to the local workers in the industry, that they take a ballot among themselves, ‘free from any official interference or influence on the part of the Secretary or others. By others I mean those who let the tradespeople and landlords bear the burden while they cry stinking lsh. To the genuine toiler I say, how long will, or can, the tradesmen bear the burden under present conditions'? They have their obligations to meet each month. Suppose they say “cash only,” what then? If the men cannot" ballot the above question, why not let their wives and children, who are feeling the pinch, do it for them? No need to fear the cry of “Scab!” because if there were no sores there would be no scabs, so by running local affairs by local men, would cure the sores —i.e., the officials who foil not, but live on the workers. Something further: It is a peculiar fact that some of the loudest-mouthed cum unionist cum Socialist element, have been doing outside jobs at relief rates, and less, contract and day work. Let the local met get together as above and discuss the question as above, or would our worthy Mayor convene a meeting in that direction? I am not a believe rin sectionalism, but at the same time I do believe in a little common sense being used. To the local men I say, why not run your own affairs, instead of being dictated to by a few at, say, Shannon. Show a little bit of principle by having a mind of your own, and the courage of your opinions. Though my signature may be a stranger to your readers, I am closely acquainted with the industry ns a worker, both in the Manawatu and other parts, from also the ranks of the unemployed in the ii£ dustrv. —Yours, etc., A. LAYMAN.