TO COUNTRY WORKERS.

Maoriland Worker, Volume I, Issue 6, 20 February 1911, Page 9

TO COUNTRY WORKERS.

Dear Editor, —This is only a word to workers in rural districts, to show the progress that can be accomplished: by persistent effort in small towns composed almost entirely of farm workers, and it is written in the hope that it will encourage some in the great fight that must be fought before we can claim our just rights. Surely we have the pluck of our forefathers who made free men of slaves! This fight can only be won by dogged determination. Are you going to help? I should, say, "Yes." It is almost three years since T became a resident of this town of Waimate. At a meeting for the purpose of forming a Political Labour Party branch, after an address delivered, by Mr James Thorn previous to last election, we had an attendance of seven. Naturally, we felt disappointed, and decided to let it drop : it seemed almost hopeless. Just after our Labour branch failure a few of us formed ourselves into a Fabian Society, and we had a fairly successful half-year. With the assistance of some generous members and outside help, we distributed some hundreds of books and pamphlets bearing on this great Labour cause. Then the Fabian Society began to totter ; we had small attendances at our meetings, and eventually we had reluctantly to let it fall through. But it had. served a very useful rmrpose. By the distribution of literature it was instrumental in educating hundreds of men. and of waking them up to a sense of their own responsibilities, with the result that when Mr Campbell, the Labour Party organiser, came to "Waimate a few months ago he was listened to most attentively at each of his three meetings. In less tnan a week we had a branch formed, and over 150 members. Since then we have made great strides, and now we can boast of having over 500 members pledged, to support a Labour candidate at next election. Our meetings have been well attended, the young members particularly working like Trojans for the La-

hour cause, and we are rejoicing in the fact that, although we have had an uphill fight, our efforts are at last bearing fruit. I appeal to all workers who may at times feel clown-hearted because of the apathy of your mates, to go to work with renewed vigour again and again if need be, and I am sure you will at last see your labours crowned with success. The cause must prevail.— Yours, etc., R. EDDY. Waimiate, Dec, 1910.