Karangahake Moving.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 16, 23 June 1911, Page 6

Karangahake Moving.

HOW FEDERATION STANDS

Tilings are moving along here both for Socialism and Industrial Unionism. In regard to the latter wo are somewhat differently situated to most other centres, inasmuch as we aro but a branch oi" tho Thames Miners' Union, with tho headquarters at Thames, 22 miles away. In point of numbers we are stronger than the head branch by a good many members. Our membership is some 380 strong. Notwithstanding this, of course, we are dominated by the head branch, and cannot move without their consent. This we find at times very trying, and especially at tho present juncture, when wo are at variance over tho question of federation. The committee of tho

Karangahake branch are for federation to a man. They are, for the most part, intelligent, and hold advanced ideas. Would it were co at tho other end. There, I regret tx> say, they seem to have found the rut, out of which, they neither seek nor desire to move. Industrial Unionism appeals as being some imaginative ideal for some remote future generation to deal with. It will easily be seen, then, that tho Union has not tho virility essential to make it a power, though I believe the material is thero. All that is lacking is a little powder, preferably of the Scott Bennett or Bob Semplo brand, to dispel the cloud of apathy that has settled about them.

For some tame past tne Karangahake branch has been agitating tib move in the direction of joining the N.Z.F.L., and has taken two ballots of the members on the question, both of which have resulted in an overwhelming majority for Federation. The last one was taKen on sth inst., when 200 voted for and 58 against—a majority of 4 to 1 in favour ot affiliation. VVhat we will do now depends on the Thames branch. It has been suggested to them that they should take a ballot of the members of the other brandies, which, if favourable, would mean that there need be no split between us. In any case, our committee seem determined to carry out the wishes of the majority of the members as expressed by them at the poll, even if it means severing our connection with the parent body. Under the circumsuances, it seems difficult to sco how they can do otherwise. We aro hoping, however, that Dhe Thames executive can be prevailed upon to take a ballot of all their members on tho question, when the necessity fox separation might be avoided.

The Socialist Party here is increasing in numbers, and we now havo 30 names enrolled on the books. For a long time a faithful few battled along under discouraging conditions, only tho fire of enthusiasm which a knowledge of Socialsim supplies, keeping them going. Now, however, hardly a meeting passes without a goodly number rolling up. On a recent Sunday a debate on the question of federation took placo between CJomrade Clavis and Mr. J. Archer. The former supported federation in opposition to the latter. Thero was a good attendance of about 60, and on a show of hands being taken, only ttwo voted against federation. What we want is more Scott Bennett. After each visit a noticeable increase of interest is created and discussion raised. We still have a pretty thick rampart of prejudice to pierce, but with the assistance of the best of all ammunition, reason and logic, we are hopeful of success.—KlNG-BOLT.