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Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1921, Page 2

Thu decision of the King and Queen to visit Belfast on the occasion of the inauguration . of the North of Ireland Parliament, is an important one, for it indicates how desirous the Royalties are to see the mandate of Parliament affecting Home Rule in Ireland launched with ali the pomp and circumstance befitting so notable an occasion. It says a great deal for the depth and interest of the feeling of Royalty in the occasion to undertake -the visit to Belfast, where there is a good deal of unrest and turmoil. The action shows that their Majesties are not going to shirk their obligations to duty, nor seek to escape from the important prerogatives which are theirs, should the circumstances not be as comfortable as the business pf opening the British Parliament. King George, throughout the war never shirked going about doing his duty, and his consort was equally eager to fulfil all her duties pertaining to her high office. The popularity of the King and Queen iia-s been most marked, and the present visit will add to the degree of popularity they enjoy. Of course all precautions will be taken, for it would be a calamity indeed if anything untoward were to happen. A disastrous contretemps is hardly likely to occur to mar the < easian, and it will ho to credit of all concerned if occasion is taken of the visit to show to all the world how much the head of the Government of the Empire is honored in Ireland as elsewhere. Their Majesties can have Imt one desire to serve in their mission to do their duty fearlessly, rmd doing it, show to the people how much they have their eflneerns at heart. Tf for the brie? visit peace but prevail, the breathing tl:»r may •dmw to flic opposing com.

batnnts the foolishness of their ways, and the wisdom of changing their tactics to a more sane means of action.

The industrial crisis at Home as a result of the coal strike still drags on. The strike lias been in operation now 1 since the beginning of April. Within three weeks of the commencmeent of the strike there was an ugly aspect created by the prospect of a complete hold-up as a result of the co-operation of the “Triple Alliance” in Labor. This calamity was avoided by the action of Mr Hodges, who was bitterly condemned, as also was the “Triple Alliance” for its lack of co-operation. Since then, the negotiations for a national settlement have proceeded unnvnilingly. The strike has created great loss and great want in the affected areas, and robbed Britain of an enormous amount of trade. Both sides have lost heavily, and despite offers and renewed offers, and tiie mediation of the •Government with a ten million grant to help stabilise wages, the attempt at a settlement has been abortive. A number of the miners have resumed work, hut the number must he very small. The latest ballot is a surprising one, the men electing to continue the strike by a heavy majority. More are going hack to work now, but still the number is almost inaflective in regard to an adequate supply of coal. The Government lias withdrawn its ten million gift, hut even this move has not stirred the recalcitrant miners to conciliatory action. The situation is thus most unsatisfactory, and still borders on the disastrous. Britain, of course, is enjoying summer weather, and in bright simnindings the outlook does not appear so sombre, hut the hold-up of trade and industry must he having a most damaging effect on the ability of the country to meet its tremendous obligations arising out of tbe war debt, for the position is being actually aggravated so iar as a satisfactory effort to meet the payments and taxation which the huge war debt of the country involves.