FEDERATION OF LABOUR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 52

FEDERATION OF LABOUR.

A LABOURITE'S OPINION. (Faon Oub Oms CosEESPOirDßirr.)

CHRISTCia^TRCH, February 20. Mr Jameß Thorn, president of the Uan« terbury Trades and Labour Council, naa been, talkmg to a Press reporter about tne proposed federation of Labour unions- in which the . . Wellington Trader Council mowed at .the last Easter conference. Mr Thorn pointed out that at present "there are- seven or eight Trades and Labour Councils in the Dominion, each being a unit on its own. When any industrial matter comes before the public officials ia each oentro utter different views. For instance, the pereident of a northern soun2}L approved of the Bon. J. A. MSlar's biU to amend, the Industrial Conciliation -Arbitration Act, whilst his council dsapproved of it; and the president of a southern council disapproved of the bill, and he was supported by his council in his action. "This sort of thing," said Mr Thorn, "made outsiders ask, 'What do 'these fellows want?' The principal idea of !the federation is to- secure uniformity in the expression of what* w*, desire." He , added thai ac soon as any important ' matter, affecting Labour oame up it would be submitted by the Federal Executive to the different unions for the expression of their opinions, and ac soon as these were received the executive would crystallise them into- one which would represent the views of the majority. Another reason for the movement waa that at present an attempt was, he understood, being made to amalgamate the Farmers* Union with the Employers' Federation. "If the employers intend having a mighty combination,"" he continued, "it is up to the workers, instead oi ' fighting; so many solitary units, to fight aa one gigantic body:** At present the executive of the Trades Councils' Conference was- situated, in different cities, whilst the Employers' Federation had acoznmttee sitting- on the- doorstep- o f Parliament looking- after their interests. "I think the general opinion among' the unions is in favour of amalgamation, though there may be objection taken, -to come of th. clauses. I have reeesred a. resolution passed by the Wellington Coun«l to- the effect that the different councils should; send no legislative remits to the next Tra3es and Labour Conference, bat, providing the unions are agreeable, that conference be asked .to spend its time discussing the best means of securing an effective federation."