IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC.

Grey River Argus, 15 May 1912, Page 8

IN THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC.

We believe that in . rcsiisting the Government propsals we are acting- in the best interests, not" .merely of the "coalowners, but of the community in general* and even in the permanent interests of the workmen themselves.; and in this cview we are supported by an overwhelming- mass of public'opinion in South Wales outside the ranks ot the colliers themselves. fn adopting the courso that we havetake from the outset in- this crisis, the interests of the public— that is, the aon-com'oatantS' — has been ever, present m our minds. We have appreciated the -fact that ultimately the casting vote must be with public opinion. We' • fully recognise that the non-combat-ants" may suiter more than those who are more directly concerned in the siruggie. It has been stated that in sour conduct we 'have been actuated by feelings of personal hostility to the mine's' *>eaders, and lhat there Is considerable bitterness existing between us. There « no foundation whatever for that '-inputation. The unrest in South Wales is due to persistent advanced Soicalisiic propaganda, and not really to a legitimate and natucal demand for -better wagecendtions. The wages in the South Wales coalfied are the highest in the whole of the old. world. They are today 40 per cent, higher than they were in 1897, showing that the condition 01 the workmen must be very much better ban it was half a generation ago. Nobody will contend that tin-, cost of living has increased in anything- like the same proportion as the actual earnings of ihe men.