19 SEPTEMBER 1981, Page 14

One hundred years ago

The annual meeting of the Trades Union Congress, mentioned elsewhere, was marked this year by two highly significant incidents. One was the reception of the members by the Lord Mayor at an evening entertainment, a curious indication of the incredible advance made by the Unions in public opinion. Time was when Unionists were regarded as public enemies. The other was the expenses had not been paid by their local Societies, but had been paid — or, at least, the Unionists so believed — by the Fairtrade League. The Unionists decided that such a practice could not be permitted.

Spectator, 17 September 1881