FEDERATION.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 26, 1 September 1911, Page 16

FEDERATION.

Sir, —What has hitherto been- only a dream to mc has now become a realisation, viz., the Federation of Labor. The days of petty local unionism are numbered, a.nd surely those who still remain outside the ranks of Federation will display sufficient intelligence to get in and swell the real fighting line. Union is strength. Then, why not a combination of unions? A Federation of ALL workers. That spells progress. Differences (if any real, I doubt) can thereafter be settled.

Federation, Education; to Capitalism Consternation.

It is gratifying to know we have a "Maoriland Worker" (if one feels inclined to "dor save" let it be it), a Mills and other good and intelligent advocates, who are putting their whole energy and ability into this great and glorious movement of Federated Labor. I feel they will and must succeed. There is mo failure for such as they. Where there's a Mills, there's no maze. Methods, differing politically and otherwise, may waste valuable time, but the goal, the ideal, is in sight of them all and must ultimately be reached. Nay! It is inevitable. Evolution waits for no man. We have borne long enough "the whips and scorns of time, the oppressors' wrong, the burdens that make us grunt and sweat under a" weary life." No longer shall we slough along. Let us heed those voices, not sounded for profits and titles, but for the noble and everlasting principles of Socialism.

Are ye worthy to be freed from the bondage of wage-slavery? Did not your fathers fight for the freedom of speech you now enjoy? (Are you listening, Christdhuroh?) Then fight for economic freedom that j r our children may not be slaves to a system of grab. Higher wages and shorter houns have not materially benefited the conditions of the workers, for as long as the markets and prices are ruled by the capitalist so looig will it be taken from them again in the form of rent, taxes, increased price of commodities, etc., capitalj the meanwhile, seizing the opportunity to increase ihis dividends, and bellowing, along with the people's press (O, pressed people!) "How tne workers are raising the cost of living!" 'The outrageous demands of the workers," etc., etc., n-oit forgetting the "Awful agitator."- Thus this trifling with the whole situation confu&es V 3 unthinking. "Damn the condition of the workers. They are fighting capital!"

There are workers who yet think the capitalist indispensable. What could we do without him ? say they. Rather , , what is he doing with you? Join the Federation, all; let no union remain, outstanding, no local body of organised workers. What are the interests of each are so to all. In the Federation lies your strength, the respect you will command, the education necessary for your advancement, the hope of your children. Nothing but Rood ca;n come of it. The stronger the Federation, the more good. To each worker I would say: Listen attentively to those the capitalist press condemn amd attempt to ridicule. Read what they condemn, as impracticable, revolutionary, or else keep quiet about. Do and dare. What they say is oaily fit for successful business men holding position and influence. In a word, manage your own affairs. —I am, etc., Invercargill. R.W.