Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JULY 22, 1918. LABOUR AND THE WAR.

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 July 1918, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, JULY 22, 1918. LABOUR AND THE WAR.

Ik (ho British Empire Labour has played a most important part in the great war. In England itself the Trades Unions have been the most patriotic element of the population. They have provided the armies and manned the Navy. They gave up their most cherished regulations, permitting* the dilution of labour, and piece-rate pay. It is true that they have been treated well, and both War Governments have handled the unions very considerately, telling them that they are a vital force in the struggle, and that nothing can be done without their approval and assistance. The leaders of the Labour movement have been exceedingly watchful and critical of the management of the armies and of diplomacy. Led by Mi 1 J. T. Thomas, the leader of the transport workers, and Mr R. Smellie, the leader of the miners, they have refused Government office, and elected to remain aloof, strict but friendly critics of the Government's legislation. But even this section is marked by groat steadfastness and self-sacrifice. The

main section is right out to win Hie war, aud although it has issued a manifesto, declaring' that its wa.l' aims are based on Hie principle of the selideterinination of tne nations concerned, it is solidly behind Mr Lloyd George. The third section is a small one. It has its stronghold on the Clyde and tiie Tyne. Its real leaders are the Amalgamated Society of Engineers and its doctrines are plainly Bolshevik in their tendency. A good deal has been made of strikes in Britain. The fact is that they have been few and unimportant during the war, and they have been largely promoted by the tyranny of specific employers. The strikes occurred in districts notorious for the ruthlessly selfish, methods of certain employers, and they originated in these employees' mines or workshops. On the whole, the British trade unions have given a magnificent example of sober and self-sacrificing patriotism during the searching days of war. But the workers have been stirred up, enlivened, and they must be given definite hopes and expectations. They Avill assuredly never consent to return to pre-war conditions- As little will the soldier who has breathed the fresh air for three years or more consent to return to the factory or the office desk. In Germany it is no secret that the doctrines of the Russian Bolsheviks have found considerable favour. The Prussian Government has endeavoured by every means in its power to stamp it out. It cannot be stamped out. It must be fought by frank exposure and by facts—as Great Britain is fighting it. Greta Britain has imposed no passport ban upon Bolsheviks entering the country and does not interfere with the representations of Russian Bolshevism when .they conduct propaganda among British Avorkers. One may trace the records of the British Labour Party's great conference at Nottingham, and of its smaller meetings and finding no sign of serious Bolshevism. We are quite certain that the new Labour movement will be directed into channels that will be of great benefit to the workers without allowing a class war to break out. All depends, of course, upon the capacity of the present generation which is being tested. The best, chance of success comes from the work of employers' and employees' leaders. Various schemes have already been discussed. There are schemes of profit-sharing, sharing of control of industries, taxation . of profits, housing and so on. One school, headed by Lord Leverhulme, the maker of soap, advocates reduction of hours of labour and sharing of profits- Another t seeks the democratisation of industry by the admission of workers into its control and the regulation of conditions. Britain is a conservative country, and changes > will be difficult, but there seems to be a genuine unselfish move- \ meat among employers to improve the workers' lot. Those who are . inclined to remain selfish and obdurate, must take heed and read the signs of the times. The war has shown that where difficulties arise the State can intervene and end the trouble quickly and effecE lively. An employer who does not 1 k:\..:w how to treat his men fairly : must got out and make room for one who can. The one thing is certain that within the British Empire there is no further room for the ignorant, one-eyed and unlearning employer. He belongs to the pre-war period and henceforth he will be out of place except in a museum containing a . collection of thing's found in a Barbaric Age. In Germany, Bolshevism is already deeply implanted. It is infectious and thrives upon such a foetid soil as depressed and blockaded Germany. The question, whether Germany will "go up' 'in a Bolshevik explosion depends largely upon whether the German soldiers will fiie upon their fathers and sisters. It is hard to say what will happen. The sense of discipline is not now so strong in the German Army, and without that the German War Party dare not attempt too much. In Austria the chances of revolution are far greater than in Germany- The Austrian crowds clamour for peace, and the strain upon them of war conditions becomes steadily worse. As food becomes even scarcer, and finances become even tighter, and prospects of gains by warfare become more and more obscure, the plight of AustriaHungary makes Bolshevism acceptable. If Germany had not knit Austria to her by every known bond —by gold, by divisions of armed troops, by bribery and by commerce —the Central Alliance would have been broken long ere this. The nations taking part in the struggle, are striving for the Auctory, but they are at the same time asking- themselves how even victory is to be borne. Almost certainly there will be no indemnities. Each side must meet its own war costs. How is the British Empire's bill to be paid ? All are agreed that there is only one basis—a vast and efficient increase in the output of ( goods. Every unit must be so i used in the national life as to increase its production. There must ' be a wise co-operation between capital and industry whereby the fruits of each may be respected. 1 There is nothing to be feared from any course that may be taken. '. provided the reforms are clear and ( sweepinff. The war has brought ; the world into a financial tangle i from which onlv hard work and efficiency in all its workers can ■ unravel. <

Instead of conventional mourning Amcricon women will wear a black band on the left arm, with a gi t star on it or each member of the family who has fallen in the war. Better than mixture or syrups is Nazol -the money-saving remedy tor coughs and colds. Ready for us 3 when bought. No cold is Nazol-proof.—Advt. The charge sheet at the Magistrate's Court this morning bore the aspects of » heavy day's list, but subsequently on account of numerous adjournments being; granted in licensing cases, the proceedings were of .a mild character. That sleep-spoiling cough can be stopped by Nazol. Take some drops on sugar Penetrating and soothing. Solenoid for children.— 1/6 buys 60 doses. —Advfc. Mr Haszard, Chief Postmaster, supplies us at 2 p.m. with the following news:— "About 10 inches of snow is lying at Otira, Arthur's Pass and Springfield. It is still snowing at these three places. Every endeavour is being made to keep the ''road and railway lines clear for traffic to-morrow. Providing that no heavy falls of snow take place the coaches should run as usual." Still further reductions in All-Wool Costumes at Walker's Sale. . Former prices were £6 to £7, now only 60/ and 80/ each. These are real snips. Bound-, ary Street. —Advt. Our Runanga correspondent writes as follows :—A four-roomed house, together with contents, owned and occupied by Sidney Keys, was totally destroyed by fire at 9 o'clock last night. The fire originated in the kitchen, clothes being left in front of the fire to dry. _ Mr Sheard's property adjoining was miraculously saved. The insurances are £l5O. A bucket brigade was organised by those living in th c vicinity, and excellent work wns done in saving the adjoining buildings. The remainder of our Furs much under cost pi ice to clear. Squirrel Necklets 13/6, Fur Sets 15/6, 18/6, 30/ to 80/ each , sot. Also a. few odd Fur Collars, cheap. At Walker's Sale, Boundary Street.— . Advt. . Tlie decision of the Wcstpoit Harbour Board to close down the bucket dredge:" 1 for a time, is viewed with grave con- ' cern along the waterfront. It is aiiti- ; cipated that thc coarse sand and gravel ! which, if the bucket dredger were work- • ing, would be lifte'd, up about the merchandise wharf, will, when the dredger " is kept idle find its way down the river 1 ond probably land on the ba.r. Here ' the suction 'dredger will have work to . do in heavier material, with probable damage to the flexible hose, which at present costs about £2OO, and to pumps and other parts of the dredging gear, all of which are difficult and costly to replace at the present time. In connection with the celebiations incidental, to the opening of the Otira. ' Tunnel a communication was received to-day from the Mavor of Christchurch , (Mr 11. Holland) by Mr J. D. Lynch, . intimating that the ceremony would take place on the 21st August, when som e 100 ' guests from Christchurch would paftici- ■ pate in thc official luncheon. The communication asked that all local bodies - would actively interest themselves in the fmiction and' contribute in such a;; way 1 as would defray tin- expenses of the cere- ' mony. As regards the arrangements for the transit for passengers to the scene > of the opening no definite programme has . as vet been fixed. It is hoped, however. that n. complete schedule, containing nil [ official arrangements, will be available for publication shortly. Westport Harbour'Board's revenue is dwindling. This is due, not so much to a shortage of coal or of miners, as . u shortage of shipping. Other parts of New Zealand ar e . crying out for coal, ' yet Westport Harbour Board keeps tied '' v.y, to its wharves a vessel, the Rubi ; Seddon dredger, that could, with very ■ little alteration, be converted into a , highly payable collier. The board is trying to' send the vessel to England, ' when there is more than enough profit- ' able work for it to do here. If the L board cannot see its way to encourage • local ship-building, it surely can make . better use of the shipping it has. The I Rubi Seddon could take coal away and back produce, helping the mining, " the board's revenue and also helping to ~> lessen the cost •of living in Westport. ' Westport should be the cheapest living . place in New Zealand if vessels coming . for coal were only utilised more for back cargoes. L Ladies' Tweed Coats, big reduction in L price at Walker's Sale. Black Astrakhan L and Scarlet Coats, new shapes, now only i 55', 65/ and 75/, former prices were £5 . to' £7 each. Also Tweed Coats from 25/ to 50/ each, worth double. Ladies' Raincoats only 30/ each, former prices 1 were 45/ each. Walker's, Boundary t Street.—Advt. There was a moderate attendance at ■ the Opera House vesterday afternoon, [ when Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., gave an , address bearing on the illegal maltrea.t- ----' ment of conscientious military objectors, ' who are uridergoing confinement at Wang. • anui gaol, and of 14 others who were • taken of the country and similarly - treated. Mr Maurice Fitzgerald occu- , pied the chair. At some considerable ' length Mr Holland dwelled on the definition of the word conscience in its wide '• and parochial interpretation and its sanc- ■ titv to a man of religious principles and . instincts. In connection with the alleged brutal treatment of the men in Wanganui gaol, the speaker proclaimed these assertions to be anything but in keeping with the high ideals of British justice and humanitavianism. He trenchantly criticised the Government in allowing the enquiry now being conducted by Mr Hewitt, SM* to be held in camera. (Applause). He considered it as a right of the people of the Dominion that allegations of cruelty to the prisoners should be publicly adindicated noon and the facts shown the light of public criticism. Mr Holland continued on these phases of the case for the remainder of his address after which he was accorded a vote of thanks by acclamation and hearty cheers. A vote of thanks also was extended the chairman. Dirt, grease and all germs take sudden fright when confronted with "No Rubbing" La.uiidry Help. 1/3 large packet, sufficient for seven weekly family washings All grocers.—Advt. The monthly statement of the Totar.i Flat Soldiers'* Guild is as follows :—Balance on hand, June Ist, £l7 7s Bd. Monthly contribution, £1 10s. Donation, Mrs Cray, Maitai, 10s; total, £l9 7s Bd, Expenses for month, purchases being only wool for knitting, £4 17s- Balance on hand at present, £l4 10s Bd. As soon as opportunity avails, a quantity of Red Cross goods and parcel of assorted knitting will be forwarded to the depots in Greymouth. We thank all those who contributed to the funds; also all workers. Valuable help is being received from Mrs Cray, Maitai, as her parcel of knitting conies so regularly. Those who work ior the Red Cross and Lady Liverpool Fund, or donate or contribute in any way are true patriots. Patriotism is also shown by social gatherings in farewelling our brave boys, and then in welcoming them home ajrain. On the 25th inst. Totara Flat will be doing its part, as a public welcome will be given in Mr Young's Ha.ll to all returned soldiers who care to come : also any that may anticipate leaving their homes to help to bring peace to onr nation, Totara Flat and the Grey Valley residents have invited Lieutenant Frickleton, V.C., to be present. The early part of the evening's entertainment will tike the form nf a musical concert, and P'n,nv talented Indies and gentlemen from Crnvmouth and Grey Vailev are assist'nf. Words of welcome will be add' essed 'ti o"r soldiers, and a sumptuous supper provided for all—then the usual dance. We trust .that all who can will come, weather and all conditions being favourable.