Scott Bennett Interviewed.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 32, 13 October 1911, Page 6

Scott Bennett Interviewed.

AN UNCOMPROMISING POLICY NECESSARY. InrervieAved by a "Worker" representative Avhilst m Wellington, Scott Bennett gaA T e it as his opinion that the most important factor in Avorking-class activities to-day is Industrial Unionism. "I am vitally interested," said Mr. Scott Bennett, "in the progress of Industrial Unionism: in the building'up: of One Big Union upon I.W.W. lines. "I clearly recognise that in New Zealand the only organisation that can effectively perform this work is the N.Z.F.L. Ifc has most consistently• ad-' vocated revolutionary political action, and class unionism." What of the unity proposals? .was. asked. - "At the present time," was the reply, "it is of paramount importance to, point out to the Avorkers that the socalled 'unity scheme' propagated by Mr. W. T-. Mills, is not Industrial 1 Unionism, and that if it came into being its political expression Avould be simply a second edition of that lamentable Laborism Avhich is an affliction to the Avorkers of Australia and Englandalike."

What line of action AA'ould you suggest should be adopted here ? "Of all countries in the Avorld, NeAV Zealand; from a Avorking-class point of vieAv, offers the finest opportunities of pursuing an uncompromising; policy,, both politically and industrially. It is suicidal for organised Avorkers to adopt a programme of adleged palliatives and reforms when class - conscious, revolutionary organisations, by the very' might of organisation, can wring all such concessions from the Government of the day without deviating! from the task of propagating the principal of Industrial Democracy. Hoavever Avell-intentioned certain people may be in foi'Avarding or upholding a policy of Lib.-Labism, very little reflection will serve to shoAV that it is suicidal." Are you satisfied with conditions locally ? "Meetings in Wellington have already indicated that here, as elsewhere, the workers are becoming more than tired of craft and sectional' unionism, and tired politically of so-called Laborism. lam particularly desirous, therefore, for members of tlie N.Z. F.L. to push on Avith greater energy the consummation of the One Big Union idea." "You have a paper," continued Mr. Bennett, ' f Avhich stands out as a most povyerful working-class organ, and which must be supported as a valuable weapon in the fight." What do you think of the political activity of the Federation ?

"I rejoice to find that the political candidates of the Federation are everywhere upon the hustings pushing the idea of Industrial Unionism and revolutionary political action ivith unswerving fidelity to principle." What do you expect to be the outcome of your tour?

"I hope as a result of my tour that much may be done to push forAvavd the work of the Federation, and above all, to hasten on the day of One Big Union."

"I hope," added Scott Bennett in conclusion, "to give impressions of NeAV Zealand to the 'Worker' at the conclusion of the present tour."

Dr. JoAvett's first Ncav York Sunday seems to have been a real hoAvling Yankee success. The rubber-necked religious Avryneeks, as the deacon of his rival, Dr. Aked, described church sensation-hunters, turned out in such force that the police had to be called in to handle the crush. The Rev. Doctor seems to have already mastered American methods, for not only had a huge sign announcing no standing-room been prepared in advance, but before going to preach he called for a collection of £800 in advance. Should the Social Revolution ever deprive Germany of the gifted and Divmely-right Individual who makes hia subjects severely toe the mark, he might also find a scope for lids talents as a rival entertainer to Drs. Jowett and Aked in some Ncav York Sunday slioav. That he Avould be quite equal to the strenuous style is slioAvn by his Corfu Sunday, Avhen he delivered the sermon, and afterAvards, a tAA'cntieth-eentury David, superintended a cinematographic reeoi-d dance of peasant Avomen, taking notes of the music himself. The Kaiser's Sunday talent is really buried in. the European napkin. Ncav York is his true sphere of Sabbath action. — "View."