QUESTIONS OF POLICY.

Maoriland Worker, Volume I, Issue 7, 20 March 1911, Page 19

QUESTIONS OF POLICY.

Dear "Worker," —Our organisers have a colossal task .before them, and it will be many weary months ere they will see any marked improvement towards co-operation among all classes of workers. The "Maokiland Worker" will undoubtedly be of great assistance to them, provided it is loyally supported by the rank and file. I am surprised there has not been any discussion concerning the proposed policy of the "Worker." Personally I am quite in agreement with it, but wherever I have mentioned it I have found someone to take exception to one clause or other. The clause which seems to be the greatest stumbling-block is clause (b), "Social Reform," and although in agreement with the clause myself, I think it a pity it has been included in proposed platform, as I feel sure it will be a big handicap for the organisers. There is no question that has caused more trouble in political circles than the liquor question, and there are none that take a keener interest in the subject than the workers. In every community there are to be found many to support prohibition, while others advocate continuance or State control. Such being the case, I think it would have been better left out of the policy, until such time as the workers become more united and under one Federation, when a referndum can be taken to decide our policy on the question. I was pleased to notice that the clause referred to was debated recently at the Trades Hall, Wellington, by Messrs Maddison and Jordan, and I have no doubt similar discussions will continue to take place amongst workers all over the Dominion if the clause remains as part of our policy. At the same time I feel qxiite sure that if a referendum were taken on the question at some future date the minority would be found quite willing to give way.—l am, etc., K. B. McRAE.