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Wairoa Bell, Volume IV, Issue 161, 2 September 1892, Page 4

We refrained from commenting on the remarks made by Mr Roche at the meeting called for the establishment of a branch of the National Association at Aratapu, for there was very little said by th at gentleman in exposition of the objects of the Association with which we could agree. The meeting itself was a very heartless affair and the objects as explained were not likely to draw amongst a people of workers such as we have on the Northern Wairoa. It was stated that large numbers of working men were joining the Association in Auckland and we are not prepared to deny this, for plausible tongues may have led many to join, but they cannot be in sympathy with the work. Every Bill promulgated by t he Labour party and introduced into parliament is opposed by the Association, as may be seen by the report submitted to the Council of the Association by its Political Committee. The Workmen’s Lien Bill they say hampers the ordinary course of business, is likely to cause injury to innocent persons and is a species of class legislation. The Inspection of Building Appliances Bill is said to be objectionable because it creates a system of espionage. The Committee evidently do not wish legislators to look into the affairs of employers. The Eight Hours’ Bill, they say, is entirely opposed to the spirit of freedom, and is a class measure. The Friendly Societies Act (amendment) is styled an infamous measure designed to place employer and employee in antagonism. These are the measures to which united Labour is looking for protection, and the attitude of the Association towards them is enough to stamp that body as a class combination, and that class, too, as one opposed to the interest of those who toil.