Unionism cannot maintain itself in existence without the closed shop.

It is the ideal toward which all unionised labour works." "Now, McNish, tell me honestly," said the minister, "do you expect or hope for an absolutely closed shop in the factories here in Blackwater, or in the Building Industries?
Have you the faintest shadow of a hope ?" "We may not get it," said McNish, "but that is no reason why we should not fight for it.

Men have died fighting for the impossible because they knew it was right, and, by dying for it, they have brought it to pass." "Far be it from me, McNish, to deny that.

But I am asking you now, again as man to man, do you know of any industry, even in the Old Land, where the closed shop absolutely prevails, and do you think that conditions in Blackwater give you the faintest hope of a closed shop here ?" "Yes," shouted McNish, springing to his feet, "there is hope.

There is hope even in Blackwater." "Tut, tut, laddie," said his mother.