William E. Murphy

“ He will not be the first to learn that peace of mind and prosperity do not always go hand in hand with notoriety. Neither do I propose to defend other members of trade organisations, whose instincts led them into using expressions of animosity or antagonism to that gentleman. My object is to advise the public to be careful of Mr. Bruce Smith's statements of the relative value of labour from his point of view, which should not in all fairness be published while the issue is sub judice. ”

“ In the second place, I most emphatically, and I might almost indignantly, deny that the mechanical branches of labour are actuated by such an unmanly sentiment as to bear hostility or an unkindly feeling towards their brethren, who unfortunately in too many instances stand more in need of their sympathy and support. On the contrary, the associated mechanics desire their full co-operation and their full share of representation in a scheme which, if it is not national, is nothing. ”

“ The morning papers following a debate at the Trades-hall Council tells which way the wind blows around the corner of Victoria and Lygon streets, but from the 1st October, 1885, till the advent of the year of grace 1886, the sanctity of the chamber over which Mr. Smith presides in Collins street west does not appeal to have been disturbed by the intrusion of a reporter. ”