days that preceded its existence, speakers of repute were invited to tour the Coast under the auspices of the Unions.
The first of these was Mr. Ben Tillett, who visited the Grey and Buller districts, whose message was eagerly assimilated by the inquiring minds. At a later date, Mr. Tom Mann visited New Zealand, and, under the auspices of the Unions and Socialist groups, lectured in various centres, visiting the mining towns of the Coast as well.
At a later stage, whilst in Sydney, I met for the first time Mr. H. Scott Bennett, then lecturing for the Sydney Socialist Party, and asked him if he would consider a N.Z. visit. He replied in the affirmative. It was on the occasion of this Sydney visit that I met for the first time Mr. H. E. Holland, now Labour Party leader. At a later date, Mr. Bennett came to New Zealand, and toured the country under the Federation’s auspices. In the succeeding years much splendid educational work was carried on by him, and numerous tours of the Dominion were undertaken under the Federation’s auspices. Some years later, the Federation, in co-operation with the Waihi Union, invited Mr. H. E. Holland to visit New Zealand—a step which has had a very profound influence on the Labour Movement of Maoriland.
When Peter Bowling, at that time President of the Northern Miners’ Federation, New South Wales, was released from prison, the Federation invited him to New Zealand to speak on its behalf. In those days Peter was regarded as an uncompromising rebel against the existing order, and one whose achievements had been widely advertised throughout the press. Peter
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