STATEMENT BY MR FRASER

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25148, 1 April 1947, Page 6

STATEMENT BY MR FRASER

“DISASTROUS RESULTS” DISCUSSED

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. March 31. The strike means adopted in the present disagreement on the Huntly coal fields would not advance a settlement by one minute, but would cause great hardship and suffering to many innocent people, and much loss to the country, as well as to all immediately involved. said the Prime Minister (Mr P. Fraser) to-day. The provided and proper way of settling any points of difference was still available, and must be used, he added. » The Prime Minister said he regretted very much the decision of the meeting of the Waikato Miners’ Union to continue the stoppage of work in face of the fact that the disastrous results of such a decision in 36 many directions, including the ruining of the Easter holidays for marly thousands of industrial and office workers, had been made clear to those present. “Other deplorable results which I feel, could not have received that consideration they are entitled to are the

inevitable hardships through a coal shortage, which will be added to the difficulties already experienced by so many homes as a result of the electricity supply situation,” said Mr Fraser. “Even this latter circumstance may be intensified if some of the coal now used to generate electricity has to be directed to dairy factories,' freezing works, and other producing plants.” Curtailments and delays in rail transport and interference with the work of butter and cheese factories and freezing works would delay most grievously the supply of food for the people of Britain, who were already bearing such tremendous and cruel burdens, continued Mr Fraser. Indeed, there was a danger that some of that much-needed food might be entirely lost, instead of being used to help to maintain the rations of the British people. “I would find it hard to believe that this decision of about one-third of the miners of the Waikato, that being approximately the number which attended the meeting, would be supported by a majority of the men. many of whom have close relatives suffering from conditions in Britain at this moment,” the Prime Minister added. There is an agreement governing wages, hours and conditions in mines, including hours of work in. and payment for, wet places, regarding which I am informed the dispute arose. There is also a constitutional legal procedure provided for the settlement of a dispute regarding the interpretation of any °1 the clauses of the agreement.” Mr Fraser said he considered it his duty to place those facts clearly before the Waikato miners for earnest, sensible and humane consideration.