The Daily News WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1902. UNIONISM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 56, 26 February 1902, Page 2

The Daily News WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1902. UNIONISM.

In a recent issue of this journal there appeared a very interesting letter under the above heading, signed " One Interested." The subject is of such moment that it is rather surprising that mors inter' st is not taken of tbe matter. On all sides it is too mnch the fashion to speak disparagingly oi tbe Government on account of what is termed their Labour Legislation. " Ooe Interested " deserves the thanks of his fellows for calling attention to the imporant fact that the so-called labour legislation is like a two-edged sword and cuts both ways. It is as it is intended to be like the sword in the hands of a good brave true man, a protection to them that do well and a terror to evil-doers. A great deal has been "made out of the power exerciser) by the Labour Unions formed under i the Act; it must not, however, be lost sight ef that employers of labour and others interested have neglected to take advantage of the power placed in their hands by the legislation, which they condemn, to unite fer their mutual protection. " One Interested" puts the matter very' clearly and plainly when he says: " The " old adage, *' United we stand, divided we fall," seems to have been taken full advantage of by labourers and artisans, etc., up to the present date, and last but not least among the unions formed is " The New Zealand Farmers' Union," which bids fair to become a power in the land. I hive often wondered at the apathy of the commercial part of our community, especially the storekeeping portion.; They are suffering from a series of wrongs, but bear them patiently, I say foolishly, for if they—like the farmers—unite, they can get redress and enjoy a much better future." That these unions of employers of labour for the protection of their particular interests are contemplated under the Act is clear from tfca wording of Clause 5 of the Act of 1900, which says: Subject to the provisions of this Act any society consisting of not less than two persons in the case of employers,.or seven in the case of workers, lawfully associated for the puapose of protecting or furthering the interests of employers or workers in or in connection with any specified industry or industries in the colony may be registered as an industrial union under this Act." It is very clear from the above that employers of labour have exactly the same opportunities as their employees to unite for their mutual protection against unfair or unreasonable demands. As " One Interested " points out the want of unity amongst employers of labour is the real cause of the trouble. The workers have bsen quick to take advantage of the facilities afforded them for improving their position and the division existing amongst employers has been their downfall, rendering them unable to resist the combinations brought against them. Let employers make the same intelligent use of the powers given them by the Act and we shall hear very little about class legislation and it will be found that this much abused legislation piotects alike the interests of th a employer and the worker.