WORK AT THE COAL MINES

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 70, 22 March 1918, Page 6

WORK AT THE COAL MINES

Paparoa -miners have again stopped work—the third occasion ml four weeks. This time the grievance is'about a man who was dismissed because lie declined to drive a horae which ho said was diseased. The State coal miners also have been out some days owing to a dispute- over the collection of a strike levy. As a result the coal production ,at the mines in question has been arrested. This is a matter of such far-reaching importance that the public is naturally concerned as to what, if 'any, are the underlying motives, of the men. Surely it will not be contended that the nature of the disputes was such as' to be. incapable of adjustment by sane, common-sense methods without resorting to the extreme and arbitrary stop of atopping work? Coal is rightly regarded as a munition of'war, and the position in New Zealand in ths matter of supplies is so serious that any interference with the production of coal becomes a matter of vital concern. Speaking a few weeks back to the workers in England, Mr. Lloyd George tersoly remarked: "Every day's work that-you do helps to shorten the. war and brings peace and victory nearer. .Every idle day and all loitering lengthens the war and lessens the chance of victory." The remarks were addressed to agricultural workers, but they apply with equal directness to the workere engaged in coal mines. Not only' is co^al required for domestic ■ purposes in New 1* Zealand, but supplies are needed to help meet national requirements. This fact is evidently recognised in ,ether coal mines in New Zealand, where working is smooth and the output is maintained. But, apparently, the. Paparoa and State miners are prepared to cease work and penalise the public- because of certain grievances which,- if well founded, could have, been amicably, settled by less drastic action. The matter should receive the prompt attention of the Government.