Kaitangata Notes

Maoriland Worker, Volume I, Issue 7, 20 March 1911, Page 8

Kaitangata Notes

(.By R. N". Ridi>.)

Congratulations to New Zealand Federation of Labour on the double fact of acquiring control of the " JYI A O R ILA3STB Wobkee," and having their ranks strengthened by the affiliation of the Shearers. May the example of the latter be followed by other Labour organisations in the very near future. A paper of the calibre of the "Maoriland Worker" must be a great factor in bringing about so happy a consummation, and it is to be hoped that it will receive a very full measure of support from the workers of New Zealand. Work in the mines here is not so good as during the early part of the summer, and probably it will be some little time yet before things materially improve. Last month the Taratu aii?ie imepeiid.ed operations. This means that, one way and another, from thirty "to forty men have been thrown idle, and as most of them reside in Kaita-ngata, and other local nrines are nob working full time, it will not be easy for them to secure employment at their usual vocation in this district. Whether the Taratu mine will start again or not* is not known as yet. The reason given for closing down is that there is not sufficient demand for the class of coal produced, and that operations can only be carried on at a loss. This may or may not be so. It is to be hoped, however, the mine will start soon again under better auspices. We were somewhat disappointed that Peter Bowling was unable to pay a visit to our district. We require the visits of some of these sort of men to set our minds in wnetner or not> we agree with the doctrine they proach. The trouble with so many of our workers is that they are so apathetic, and it is extremely difficult to get them to devote any thought fco subjects which the majority must understand before we progress very far. Men like Bowling compel you to think in spite of yourself. And as "Eunanga" says in your last issue, you can do nothing of real value without an intelligent rank and file. So therefore we would welcome the visit of ail who help the rank and file to broaden their minds and sharpen their wits. Their leaders are all right, but they want to come along and educate us, and remove some of the ill impressions that some of us* are obsessed with. Our men are all right in the main. The only trouble with them is that a few of them are more inclined to remain in the old groove rather than to risk progression. We want them to trealise that notching and no one in this world can stand still. There must be progression or retrogression. We want them to know that while they are hesixatingj our opponents, are busy organising and federating in order the better to hold u» in subjection. We want them to grasp the fact that it requires a New Zealand Federation of Labour to oppose a New Zealand Federation of Employers. It is a long time since Kaitangata> workers have listened to an address from any advocate of the rights of Labour, and it is to be hoped that •-hat omission will be attended to at an early date. Only thus can vre hope to hasten the time when an injury to one will be considered an injury to all.