BLACKBALL NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 16 May 1922, Page 7

BLACKBALL NOTES.

(JJur Own Correspondent.) 'The latest wage-cut by the -Arbi(ration Court, so far as the coal mining industry is concerned, proves to be very drastic, meaning in some instances £l/2/11 per fortnight. Even the rope boys suffer a greater cut lhan ’Hie 5/per week reduction made general for the rest of the workers of New Zealand by order of the Court Evidently, discrimination has been shown towards workers in the coal-mining industry, which needs some explanation. It is is a, correct deduction on tlio part of the* Arbitration Court that a 5/- per week reduction meets the decrease in the cost of living, how comes it that 1h ; - woikers in the coal-mining industry are exploited to the above 'extent ? Judge Fraser and his associates should also explain why, if (he cost of living has declined to the extent he maintains, do all '.he articles, such us lamps, carbide, oil. detonators, explosives, tools, etc., which th<‘ coal miners procure from the coal companies, show on the average a decided increase? P sure is a line institution the Arbitration Court. Blackball was well catered for sport line the past vveek-ond. hockey. League football, and Soccer all being si rved up before good crowds. The Blackball ladies v. Reeifon Indios. commenced proceedings with hockey on Saturday, and play was keen from the bully off. Blackball won by a goal, scored by Aliss AlcDonald, who turn-ed a. centre from Alary Jamieson into the net. Reefton scored once, but the whistle had previously sounded for infringement of the rules. The garni' was fast and evenly contested, with the better team the victors. Miss Alary Jamieson of Blackball provetl to be a player of more than average merit. The visitors were entertained at a complimentary social at night in the Oodfellows’ Hall. ami report enjoying themselves thoroughly. Blackball, League Juniors and Roa tried conclusions after the Ladies Hockev match, and looked a likely lot. averaging fully a stone per man heavier than their Blackball rivals. A hard fought game resulted. Blackball played pluckily against their heavier opponents and surprised them by securing the victory by three points to nr. On Sunday Blackball and Moonlight tried conclusions at Soccer. Blackball who played two men short, gained a somewhat lucky victory by one goal (scored by Uroft) to nil. Moonlight pressed continuously during the last 20 minutes, but the Blackball detence, although hard put to it, managed to hold out. The heavy state of tire ground was against good football, ami play wa> somewhat below the usual standard. Air 11. Ritchie made an efficient rereree The coming professional boxing contest. between Carr of Millerton and Dick Redwing of Grey, is creating a lot of interest, locally, ami is sure to be a very willing go- I’nsl records show that these boys are well matched, and patrons can be sure of getting their money’s worth. The open flyweight has received quite a number of nominations, and, if all the entrants pul in their appearance, some lively bouts will eventuate. AlcDonald and Davidson are in good trim for their spi/rial, ano will give- fans a good run lor theii money. Don’t forget the date. Friday next, ami the place, Mandi’s Hall. A Blackball Branch of the West Coast Communist Federation was formed recently. The Branch has a healthy membership and prospects are bright for pulling in some much-needed working class propaganda. 'To all wage work-ers who realise the. necessity ot ending the present class antagonism and distinctions inhere! in capitalism, the writer extends a invitation to the meetings. Alessrs W. Balerstone. T. Daly and J. McQuiiken, ware up pointed chairman, secretary, and treasurer of the Branch, and its delegates to the Central Council. H is to be hoped that the recent wage reductions and the prospects ol still further reductions in the neat future, will have the eilect of waking up the sleeping wage-slaves ol God’s Own. Beyond a few- “hot air’’ reso lotions ami th-e statistical arguments in the Arbitration Court, nothing what ever has been done to resist the wage cut drive, of the Employers’ Federation. Such is the lamb like faith ot the Dnbbs that live decisions of Ihe Arbitration (‘mirt are accepted as resignedly as the average married man accepts a visit from his mother-in-law. ’True, a feeble effort was made by the coal miners to resist the ent. which soon fizzcled out, as a result of dissension ill their ranks. The failure of th-e Alliance of Labour Io give any moral ot linaneial backing and other signs seem to show as useless our present forms of industrial and political organisation. What, is required is very clearly pointed out by master minds of the working class movement such as Marx, Ln gels. Liebncekht, and Lenin, viz.:—One big union, organis’d on class lines, and an uncompromising political expression, based nil the ownership of the means of production, and production for use. not prolit! Leaders are not going t° emancipate us. The wage-workers ■■ i have to emaiieipnie themselves, v. I'.u'.h will be done when wo become sufficiently wise as to our position as a class under (.'a pi taiism.