PUBLIC OPINION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 16326, 23 August 1913, Page 12

PUBLIC OPINION.

FROM YESTERDAY’S NEWSPAPERS. (By Telegraph.) MR LYSNAR’S SCHEME. For the farmer himself to attempt to place his produce on the Home markets means, at least at present, not independence or speculative inliuences, but a direct challenge to those controlling forces. It is a challenge which is bound to be accepted, and the upshot is certain to be watched with a great deal of interest. The avowed object of tlie scheme is theoretically most laudable, but to not a few observers it appears only too likely to play into the hands of those against whom it is directed. Fundamental reform of a commercial system in Britain seems hardly likely to be brought about by merely external pressure. There must be a great internal upheaval also if anything tangible is to bo done.— ■“ Dunedin Star.” THE BLACKBALL STRIKE. It is probable that the. mine proprietors and managers dislike tho employment of tho night sliiit as much as tho miners themselves do. Tho miners cannot be complimented, however, upon the method they have adopted of emphasising their objection to a system which has been designed to secure them regularity of employment. The term of the agreement under which provision was made for three shifts at the Blackball mine has just expired, and they would have pursued a more reasonable course if, in negotiating for a new agreement, they had put ionvard the claim that two shifts only should be employed in future. They have by their action placed themselves in the wrong, and pos6ibily excited a spirit of antagonism -which might otherwise not have been aroused.—“ Otago Daily Times.”