LABOUR DAY. A Demonstration That is Tiring to Unionists.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 119, 11 October 1902, Page 8

LABOUR DAY. A Demonstration That is Tiring to Unionists.

THERE was quite a decent crowd of people thronging the streets on Labour Day. There were some remarkably clever working exhibits, and a reasonably good programme of sports, and everybody, in spite of the wind that can always be set down for Labour Day, was cheerful. Labour Day was formerly Unionists' day. It was the spirit of unionism that made Labour Day possible. Therefore ifc is reasonable, after noting the very weak muster of Unionists, to ask them if it wouldn't be as well to let tenders for the demonstration next year. * • • If Unionists are too tired to turn out to their own show and to form a part of the procession then they should ask the Government to bring in a Bill abolishing the holiday which seems to be no longer a Unionists' day at all. Perhaps you have seen the Labour Day procession in Sydney ? Unionists unite in that city to make Labour Day the day of the year. If Unionists are glad that they have eight hours work and all the other blessings why don't they show it? • • • Is it sufficient for a few enthusiasts to run the whole show, while the great bulk of the men belonging to the unions are mere spectators ? We are of opinion that every Unionist in Wellington who is not bedridden on Eight Hours' Day should roll up and join in the proee-sion, and we believe that if they don't show more enthusiasm in the annual festival than they did on Wednesday, it would be a kind thing to either knock the holiday off the list, or call it something else. At present it is not a Unionists' day, and Unionists should blush to admit that a holiday for which they have striven should be regarded by them as of such little importance that they consider it a bore to form part of a demonstration specially prepared for them.