In Our Opinion.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 22, 4 August 1911, Page 11

In Our Opinion.

THE WAR CLOUD menacingly. The capitalists are making a move. If Avar comes it Avill be not in the interests of the people, but in the interests of property. Let everybody try 'to keep calm,, cool, and collected. Our saying of it Avill not be relished, but Avar is purposely made to diA r ert the thoughts and attention of the masses from "agitators" and the education and organisation of agitation. Amid all the "patriotic" outbursts our readers Avill Avellnigh be smothered under, let them hold up as a torch Ramsay Macdonald's speech, as thus cabled: "Mr. Ramsay Macdonald, leader of the Labour party, declared that the "organised Labour forces in all countries should stand for peace in lair or foul Aveather. He was sorry that Mr. Lloyd-George had made his Mansion House speech —((Opposition cries of "No!")—because such a statement should haA'e been made through private channels. He did not agree with private negotiations : wherein the public Avas absolutely poAvei'les's to influence the direction of negotiations. The British' Labour party avo ild..co-operate_ Avith the Labourites of Germany and i/ranee to the last moment in the interests of peace. He added: "If the path of peace be Avrecked at the present moment Aye shall stand by peace after it has been Avrecked."

HOW the conscriptionist publicists and papers lean on Major-General Godley (avlio takes precedence at Governor's leA'ees and in ceremonial of State). As if to say, "You must pull this thing through, General, don'tcherknow." And the General is trying his darndest. That's why he says (and the papers approve): "All this talk about conscription and militarism is really the greatest rubbish." There now!—that settles it! Alas, to quite a number it does settle it, just as some folk are credulous enough to believe that registration doesn't mean military duty, and is only a very harmless form without meaning or danger, you knoAv. Heavens, Avhen will people have sense Isn't it General Godley's express task and . interest to beat the anti-conscriptionists and smother the people's protest. For what else is he employed ? If he dared he Avould courtmartial this paper. Noav, as MajorGeneral Godley, in the political interests of the militarist candidates can travel the country, lecturing on the grandeur and peace-fulness (ye Gods!) of militarism perhaps he can also defend'his position in debate, and Avill therefore be glad to meet a Socialist on the platform on the subject of the Defence Act? We'll ask him. AnyhoAV, surely it's time decency led Godley, as an interested party, to close his mouth, seeing that, the biggest issue before the electors at the coming election will be conscription or anti-conscrip-tion, and, inter alia, General Godley's billet and services.

A COLLABORATOR of the "Forum" asked a Chinaman Avhy his nation did not accept our "gospel of peace," and received the folloAving reply: "It is not because Aye Avould not accept a gospel of peace, but it is because you in its name trample it under foot and drench it with blood. There are people from all Christian nations Avho come to teach us by the SAvord and by fire that reason counts for nothing in this world if it is net supported by force. Do not doubt for an instant that your lesson has been well learned; and make Avay, Europe, when it shall be put in action! You have been the cause that a nation of four hundred millions of inhabitants is in train to arm themselves —a nation who before you came to her had no.ambition but to live in peace. It is in the name of Jesus Christ that you called us to arniSi and it is in the name of Confucius that we reply."'

TFVHE "Free Lance" likes to see antiJ- conscription, meetings in Welling.ton broken up by "loyalists." It glories in knowing that tho would-be swashbucklers are always present to sing "God Save the King." It boastfully says of the last Wellington meeting that the speakers were "in turn hooted, guffaAved, jeered, and' laughed at." It is noticeable that no daily paper has yet asked that the anti-conscriptionists be given a hearing. "Biff th«n" v is their advice. Whenover the political partisans of a particular daily paper have ''v the past been denied a hearing, what a hoAvl there has been about gagging, and hoAv the priceless treasure of Free Speech has been extolled! In cases, Avhat a lofty lecturing of Socialists who had disturbed a rotter's harangue. But iioav it's . different. The anti-conscriptionists get Avhat they de&erA'e. And so the interference and disturbance are encouraged; even, by the useful means of lying. We rise to. remark that two can play at the game of "biffing," and if it is to be "biff," then the auti-eonscriptionists must organise _to be the "biffers" rather than the "biffed." In Wellington, even an express meeting for an express purpose cannot be called Avithout the "Gaud-savers" intruding Avith. their offensiA'e shouts and smells. It's time to settle these bumptious tools of ambitious soldiers. AnyAvay, if they are to be superior in. Wellington, we urge other centres, where Federation of Labour is strong, to think of Avhat's happening in Wellington and even things . up.

I » WE thank Mr. John Gammell for accepting our invitation to Avrite an article on the present position in respect UiJ StfCuitU' VV t> COUI.U AVlbUl Lxikii, cue articie nugnt be went to every eieccOr in Imcav it is not oniy a statement of a serious situation, lout tne erispest and. clearest case against Bibiereaumg tnat avo iiave react ior many a uay. stripped, ot ail superncial argumentation, tne iunaanieiiuu ana real o»> jection to tne JJioie 111 state scnools is as put by Mr. John Ciamtueil, tnan Avnom none- nasi better lougnt ior absolute secular education, ana tnan avuoiii none UnoAvs more of tne secular education movemejit. The distinguisned .Master. ot Arts and scnooimaster can be credited AVitn largely contributing to. the adoption 01 secuinr education; and. it. is hcting that he should now rally us all to its

utMunce. » THE "Feilding Star's" attack on Mr. Rod. Ross and the Socialists is so ooviousiy (ahem!) in accord with "the first ruie of newspaper correspondence, courtesy," and so lull of argument and not abuse, culture and not epithets, that it is wiluness to even think of approaching The Great White Throne ■on which the "Star" sits immaculate; and infallible. Nothing is to be done but leave it sitting beautifully there, amid its cuitu *c and courtesy, argument and art. Doubtless the spectacle is • terrifyingly solemn to Socialists and other "pests."

JTtDR dogged determination and grit the » W'Bish miners of Rhoiidda Valley cannot be excelled. It is now ten months since they came out against unbearable conditiouis. During that time all attempts of wily politicians to beguile them have -failed. Police and the military, have been called out to subdue them, but they have remained. unsub-. dued. ; The action of the British Miners-' Federation in this strike cannot be commended. It is 1 practically forcing the miners of other parts of Great Britain to "scab" upon the brave fighters of the Rhdhdda Valley. Holding in their hands the key to the position,-the officials of the British miners have refused to use that key,, If the British miners had said the word, warned the employers that unless justice was done their comrades of Wales a general stoppage would take place in all the coal fields, the strike would have been settled months ago. The Avord wa.s not spoken, so thousands; of brave men,' braver Avomen, and little ones have to fight-relentlessly ■on because of spineless officers. What a different method to the up-to-date method of the seamen's strike —the difference between industrial and sectional action. , ♦- .

THE National, Peace and Anti-Militar-ist Council of ~" Christchurch, of which Mr. L. P. Christie is secretary, is adopting a splendid system of propoganda. It is desirous that all similar organisations' shall get together so that all can Avork together as one organisation, and be considerably stronger thereby. The plan •folloAved at Christchurch is to issue forms for the purpose of obtaining signatures of those opposed to the Act, not as a petition, but for the purpose of finding out the names and addresses of those avlio are in sympathy Avith the movement. A small circular, setting forth the objects of the Council, is also issued. It is intended to circulate petitions against the Act and secure pledges from candidates for Parliament. It would be a Avi*a policy for anti-mili-tarist leagues in other parts of NeAv Zealand to folloAv the example of the Christchurch League. To get into touch with it and secure uniform petitions for signature. What is required is the holding of a conference of leagues, say, in Wellington, as soon as possible that all opponents may be able ot take organised concerted action against the Iron Heel of Military Law. _ •

WITH the usual exceptions, the farmers of any community cannot be. classed as being broad-minded. This has been distinctly proven during last week, when the Dominion Farmers' Union held its. annual conference. The farmer leads

a solitary life;: his work does not bring him into contact with men Avhere rapid decisions and opinions are necessary; consequently he is slow to assimilate ideas, and always regards with suspicion those who advocate advanced measures. He has told himself and. everyone else that he is the most important factor in society, till he at last firmly believes it. He imagines he is deserving of greater consideration and better treatment than any other section of the community. No matter how urgently any -portion of the community needs to be protected against injustice, if there is the slightest chance of infriugement upon the cocky's preserves he immediately squeals of added injustice. To the cocky it is quite right'and proper for the farmers to form a union to 'p rote it their interests; for the farm labourer to do likewise is rank heresy. If .Aye were to -believe-the farmer, he is always on the A'erge of bankruptcy, and for him to pay his .-unfortunate employee a decent >vage Avou.ld mean his ruin. He is an aAyful pessimist, is the farmer; under the circs, 'tis avell that we are hot all' "tillers of the soil," for this world would, then be a cheerless, place...