THE COAL DISPUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 139, 14 June 1932, Page 6

THE COAL DISPUTE.

It is natural that the Mayor and the business people of Huntly should appeal to the Minister of Mines to arrange a conference between the parties to the coal dispute, but the trouble is one that affects the whole country, and the public is looking anxiously for some sign of settlement. It is intolerable that in a time like this a labour dispute of such magnitude should continue, involving.a major industry and, indeed, the whole community in loss. The Minister is adopting a policy of watchful waiting, but it may be suggested to him that a little more enterprise and energy might be displayed. Has the country no recognised method of settling disputes that can be applied? The first thing to do is to bring the parties together. Apparently there is little or no hope of agreement until this is done, so every effort should be made to arrange a conference. Both sides should be reminded that the history of coal stoppages is that after every such break less coal is used. Does the New Zealand coal industry wish to suffer the fate <of the Australian Newcastle, which by reason of the | frequent stoppages in the New Wales fields, has lost most of its markets in the East land all in South America?