The Dignity of Labour.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 1, Issue 4, 15 December 1910, Page 12

The Dignity of Labour.

The man who holds honest labour in contempt has not the Christian spirit in his heart. He hasn't even the milk of human kindness. He is selfish and ought to have been born a hog. His birth was a mistake. He doesn't even respect the decrees of God. He dodges the decree : "Thou shalt eat bread in the sweat of thy face." He seeks to live off of the labours of others, and is therefore a robber. He may wear the clothes and have the manners of a gentleman. But he is not. He is sailing under false colours. The one who performs honest labour is a king compared to him. When I speak of honest labour, I do not mean physical labour alone. There are thousands of clerks., merchants, salesgirls, etc., who toil as honestly and nobly as the man on the farm or in the workshop. It is honest toil that feeds the world. It is dishonest schemers who seek to manipulate our commercial system as to rob the honest toilers of their just reward. God placed the stamp of honour upon labour. His decree was given to all the living Luther Bnrbank has done more for the world than any philanthropist who ever lived. And his work will never end. He has opened up the doors to discovery that will be followed by others, and all mankind will enjoy the results of his labours. No " captain of finance/ no commander of"armies will ever be held in such high esteem. The plants he has created by hybridization will grow for ever arid perpetuate his memory. Edison is another example of the Dignity of Labour. He has harnessed the powers of nature, which, under the creed of Socialism, would free the industrial slave and be of incalculable benefit to all the human race. Labour is the uncrowned king of the world. It feeds the world. It is to add to the dignity and independence of labour that Trades Unions were organised. They care not for special privileges of labourers, but demand their own. This great army is marching forward. Its banners are being thrown to the breeze. This steady onward movement is shaking the earth. And the labourer is being recognised for his true worth. Let him study to make himself worthy of his calling. Let him look the world in the eyes and be proud of his craft. —Exchange.