Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 1928. FOLLY OF STRIKES

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 June 1928, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 1928. FOLLY OF STRIKES

’’JMIK decision taken by the Australian Miners' Convention that the central governing body is alone to be regarded as competent to sanction future strikes, is wise, and if it means that such a drastic step is not to be taken except as a last resource, the Australian coal-mining industry should gel rid of the chief menace to its prosperity. Many of the stoppages al the mines of late years, have been due to comparative trifles, or to arrogant altitude by district union officials eager to show their authority, a consequence being that

many unionists have had to suffer loss of unemployment, although they had no voice in the decision to fight the mine-owners. Nor is it in the mining industry that these local disputes have wrought national mischief, and the wonder is that the union executives h'avc not rceogised beforehand the folly of permitting such action. Few labour troubles arise that could not be settled by mutual goodwill, or confidence that an

agreement made will be honoured by both parties. So heavy have been the losses to miners as well as mine-owners by irritation tactics that a crisis has arisen, and many properties are closing down, or are on. the point of so doing. Realising that the last state of the miners will be worse than the first, if wiser counsels do not prevail, the Miners’ Convention has expressed the opinion that the experience of strikes and go slow has not been to the advantage of the employees, and that it would more profitable to seek peace rather than be unnecessarily aggressive. If this conversion is genuine, and the new policy is given a fair trial, a new chapter will be opened in Australian mining history, and the fortunes of the coal-industry be restored to something approaching its palmy days. It is to be hoped that New Zealand miners will take notice of what their Australian comrades are doing, and will not listen to the Communists and other extremists in their ranks who preach fight in and out of season. The recent agreement made at Westport was gratifying to both sides, and should be adhered to loyally throughout its tenure. Disputes arc sure to arise at times, but, rarely, is it difficult for men of commonsense and honesty of purpose to find a fair compromise, obviating the necessity for stopping work. The general public realises that miners have risks and hardships inseparable from their calling, and also realise that on adequate coalprod net ion depends their own prosperity and convenience. When the miners have a genuine grievance, public sympathy is forthcoming for their cause, and it is not long before redress is obtained. Irritation tactics, however, cause outsiders to believe that a fail- deal is not being given to those who have invested their capital in the mining industry, and, moreover, adds to the cost of a commodity which is a household and industrial necessity. Peace in the mines is worth preserving.

Whilst the miners do their part, it is common justice that every effort should be made to keep their employment constant. It must be very annoying Io Ihe miners Io have idle days thrust on them. This uncertainty encourages resentment at irksome conditions, and every effort should be made to keep the men employed. The .State mines appear to have many “off” days, and it is difficult to believe that it is impossible to reduce these.