The Editorial “I”

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 36, 10 November 1911, Page 8

The Editorial “I”

Whether you are in Waihi or Karangahake or 'Huntly, you are where the Miners' Union counts. Amongst the unionists of these places conviction of the power of labor is .brought home to the visitor. One realises how a number of such centres acting co-operatively could carry all before them. This potential strength makes linking-u.p important, and gives a new meaning to tlie relationship established by the Federation of Labor. I could feel the wondrous possibilities latent in the thoughtful men of each centre becoming grippingly acquainted with one another, and with the separate labors and ideas joined for a common object. Waihi and Karangahake and Huntly seemed to mc the Communes of the French Revolution over again-—the Commune working out its own salvation upon lines making for the salvation of all: consolidated units of an all-embracing whole. In the centres we are connecting by a common Inspiration and aspiration we see emerging the organisation not only Industrial Unionist in name but in actual command of the industrial processes guided and governed in the interests of the workers.

At Waihi I got an insight into the doings of the Miners' Union which illustrated how- the Union was the real (local-governing body (within 'limitations, of course), and the very pivot of the town. In this, a remarkably simple demonstration of the bottom importance •of the industry —not so evident in the more complex communities,' but still true everywhere. It is the .workshop—whether mine, field, olfactory—that determies all else. It is wealth-production, in the economic sense, that is the basis of interests and institutions, leisure and life. No wonder, Parliaments of Industry are the concept and aim of the workers of the world. Industry by, for and 6f the people; wealth-production in the keeping of its users and not its exploiters ■ ownership by the workers and not by the robbers!

The Miners' Hall, with its offices, its reading-room (which could be considerably improved) was excellent as industrialist forum. Here I met and talked with the men, and got some sort of■• familiarity with the "vexed questions" of contract'and compensation. Secretary McMillan promises to deal with the latter : as regards the former, its co-operative modification-is working smoothly and satisfactorily. I saw the Death Roll of victims to capitalism— shuddered and thought "Who'll be the next?" Cursed that there should be a •'next," yet knew that "next" was as relentless as mathematics. A visit, to the mines, and an inspection of the ■mighty batteries, -was sombre, enough in consequence, though mountainous object-lesson of the greatness of machinery and invention —and man. This Hast too great, too wonderful to be the catspaw of capitalism—surely! If ma•akinery and invention, discovery and science, are for the service of man, then their collective ownership is obviously the need. Eh?

It suited mc to talk with McLellan, (who escorted mc over the mines), McMillan (who was my perfect host), Gaynor, Smith, Dye. and others, and hear about Waihi's awakening and how much of it was due tn-Parry. All concurred that the men of-'-"Waihi had •moved marvellously in a couple of years, and all agreed that this striking movement was associated with Parry. I could see that Waihi. was realising its power. I could glimpse a future in which some leaders " would : point to Waihi as providing the environment which had stimulated study of work-ing-class history and destiny-and made them agitators for emancipation. In &mbryo" at present, that leadership of the future will be attributable to its fortuitous past.

As showing the administrative skill of the Miners' Union here are some Resolutions of a meeting which had been held a few days before my arrival: —

In respect to the co-operative system —(1) Minimum wage to be 13s 4d per shift; (2) that in the event of a party asking for a rise in price and they not having made the minimum wage, ■ such-party shall produce pay phects for tlie previous two months; the. president and the secretary shall investigate same and calculate the price necessary, to bring same up to' the minimum—no members of this.Union to ."accept such contract under such price."

, In respect to tendering—"That the jjarties concerned re-tendering for new ■contracts by public tender visit the -work and then confer with the Union officials re price and allotment of the -tame, and in the event of not sufficient ■then being in the successful party, the 'same to be made up from those present."

~ These resolutions attest the widening scope of unionism . and prove, under toilers' noses, the capacity (I apologise for the reference) of the men engaged in a calling to regulate its immediate, "problems." The capacity of the working-class needs no defence, but nowadays—even nowadays!—ever and anon the stale charge is made of work-ing-class '•incapacity." And there could be no world nor wealth without working-class!

Of political activity the air fairly peeked. It 'was fine.:,.. These men at

... W.aJJtii are. taking their candidature seriously, and Hickey; s 'prospects are splendid. In -i ••light; the' iiiiners'" .of --^{Wy-Northern goldfiekr- air in ?a fight .jjtp. light. .done ' -j6y ? ;fcho, flection ..committee..;.,.,and the 'friends of Industrial Unionism*;. .It

-tfttows earnestness and readiness to pay'up when a special orgohiseF; is :i enftaged for the- r Thjat wiwr'- (Charles Smith) '"re"""* Nrnganri Hi

energy. Waihi miners know how useful it will be to have practical expression, by direct choice, of their industrial discontent and desires in the hour of the demand for better conditions. They know that should there be a strike —or stronger still, in the negotiations to avoid a strike —Hickey in Parliament will be magnificent aid.

In Secretary Dye the Socialist Party has a thoroughly-steeped representative of the glorious cause. They told mc he is the most inveterate pamphlet-dis-tributor Waihi has known- The party holds regular Sunday evening meetings and is ever ready to welcome speakers. Those who do not "talk" —and, thank heaven, there are some left —carry on propaganda by conversation: a much more telling method.than is generally understood. Not speechifying but chatting has converted Russia to revolutionary heat.

I wasn't sorry to meet some folks from Broken Hill—nor to hear how Waihi prided itself upon being the Broken Hill of New Zealand. Both "Broken Hills" are destined for deeds of emancipatory design as they are already famous for deeds of ameliorative agitation.

I was in • a town where practically every resident got "The Worker." Superb elation! I forsee the day of a special edition for Waihi —and the same for other parts. We shall arrive. THE EYE.

Upper row: August Spies.. Albert R. Parsons, Louis Lingg. Centre row: "Adolph Fisher, George Erigel. Lower row: Oscar Neebe, Samuel Fieklen, Michael Schwab

to take proceedings against any owner or owners who allow their property to fall into disrepair or become insanitary. 12. The discontinuance of the present system of granting excessive compensation for property taken for public purposes, whether by the National Assembly or other public authority, and that deductions be made in all cases where misuse or culpable neglect of property can be ru-oven.

13. The prohibiting of the excessive exportation of the products of this Dominion, as we are convinced that such excessive exportation is being more and more entered upon, so© so much owing to enhanced prices obtainable outside New Zealand, but simply with a view to creating an artificial scarcity of such commodities in this Dominion, . and thereby unduly increasing the cost of living. 14. Forty hours per week for all factories and Government employees, except miners. 10. That where industrial trouble is imminent, or where a strike or lockout is in progress, it shall be id-legal for any employer, company or association of employers to advertise for workmen in or out of. New Zealand, without clearly stating that such industrial strife is pending or is in progress. That it be illegal for any New Zealand newspaper to publish such advertisement whether on behalf of employers of this Dominion or other States.

16. The maintenance of absolute