26 AUGUST 1911, Page 13

LEGISLATION TO PUT A STOP TO PICKETING. ![To THZ Homo&

or TICE "Erzorwros."] SIR,—It might be well if you opened your columns to a dis- cussion on the absolute necessity of legislation to put a stop to picketing or interference of any kind with "the right to work." I suppose it may be stated broadly that three-fourths of the working classes do not belong to trades unions. Yet, whatever be the letter of the law, it is obvious that non-union men are labelled blacklegs, impressed or otherwise coerced at every strike, and become practically subservient. Ought they not to be taught that they no longer live in a free country P If you, Sir, and other influential journalists would take up this matter seriously and start a movement for the freedom of non-unionists, you would earn lasting gratitude, although nothing can be expected from the present Govern- ment, who are slaves of the Labour Party. " The right to work" would prove an influential cry for Unionists and carry with it masses of honest workmen.—I am, Sir, &c., 0. M.

P.S.—This was written before the debate of Tuesday night. It remains to be seen now whether the Government can afford to part with the Labour members.