The 1894 Townsville by-election.

*THE WORKER*

Brisbane January 27, 1894

Labour, 808; Capitalism, 624 – majority for Labour, 184. This Townsville straw shows how the Queensland political wind is blowing, and Labour may expect a surprisingly sudden acquisition to the ranks of those politicians who “always considered Labour entitled to a fair share of representation in the Parliament of the country.” Labour will soon have a host of friends, amongst whom will be many political rats, deserters from the now sinking ship McIIwraith. But what a victory it is! 808 to 644 at a bye-election ! Mr. Ogden polling 51 votes more than the Minister for Mines secured at the general election last year. Small wonder Mr. Philip wore a doleful expression when news of the election arrived in Brisbane, for the result means his early political extinction.

Mr. Ogden and his co-workers in Townsville deserve the hearty congratulations of the workers throughout Australia for the magnificent organisation which won the election. Every political Labour victory brings Australia one step nearer industrial emancipation. Who can estimate the changes that will take place before the end of the present century? About five years ago the four candidates chosen to run in the interests of Labour – Messrs. Albert Hinchcliffe (Toombul) Colborne (Valley), Johnston (Wooloongabba), Valentine (Toowong) – were all defeated. Not one member of Parliament was elected as a direct Labour representative. Mr. Glassey, it is true was returned in 1888 and Mr. Hoolan in 1890, but as supporters of Griffith. The maritime strike brought them to the side of the people as Labour men in 1890.

In 1892 Messrs. Ryan and Hall were returned as Labour representatives. In 1893, 15 Labour members were returned. In 1894 we find ourselves with 16 straight-out Labour members of the Legislative Assembly.

Year ------ Labour Members.

1888 ------           0

1890 ------           2

1893 ------           15

1894 ------           16

This notwithstanding the pages of daily press misrepresentation of the aims and objects of Labour in Politics. And yet some people would say; “Do not continue to advocate straight-out Social  Democracy.” The Worker joins in congratulating Mr. Ogden. He won a fair fight between Capitalism and Labour, as the capitalistic press has had the candour to acknowledge, and the Labour Party will be proud of him. He knows what it is to seek for employment under the competitive system of Private Enterprise, having served his apprenticeship as an ironworker, and been compelled to work on the wharves because he could get nothing to do at his trade – a bitter experience which has been hard to undergo, but which will spur him on to do battle for the cause of Social – Democracy.        W.G.H.