WORK OR FIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 105, 3 May 1917, Page 6

WORK OR FIGHT.

COAL MINERS' ALTERNATIVE.

GREYMOUTH, Wednesday.

Appeals for the exemption of a number of coal miners were reviewed to-day hv the Military Service Board. The chairman (Mr. .1. S. Evans, S.M.I said the position was that some time ago. when the "go slow" policy was in vogue in some*of the mines, the Board issued definite warnings that unless the output from the mines was kept up to normal exemptions would not be granted. The Board bad adjourned final consideration of the cases twice, in the hope that better counsels would prevail, instead of which the miners, with the exception of those at Brunnerton. had gone on strike. "The Board says. without qualification," he continued, "that in a crisis of the kind through .'which the country is passing no conditions whatever existing in New Zealand justify a strike. If any class of workers choose that method of trying to force a settlement of paltry grievances, those whose appeals are under consideration, and who disregard an agreement made, will have to reckon with the Military Service Board. If those subject to the Military Service Act are not prepared to do their duty in essentia! industries they cannot get exemption from the Boards-

"The appeals of all miners from the State and I'aparoa mines who. since the resumption of work, pursuant to the agreement with the Ministers of the Crown, again went on strike, will be dismissed. The appeals of those who resumed work and continued working will be adjourned as before. All exemptions granted, and to be granted, are expressly under the condition that the reservists concerned must give their best labour in the industry they are granted exemption for, or these exceptions will be cancelled without further notice."