WHAT NEXT?

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8537, 18 March 1908, Page 4

WHAT NEXT?

There are no new developments at Blackball, say the latest telegrams from the scene of the strike. The miners ceased work three- weeks ago, thus committing an offence under the Arbitration Act. Their Union was heavily fined, but the situation remains unaltered. The strike goes on with as much unanimity as before, the men being fortified in their resolve by the promise of funds from* their fellowworkers in all parts of the Dominion, though the other miners on the Coast show no eagerness to follow in the steps of the Blackball employees. The strikers have put themselves in an unique position. ''Your move next" i.5 what they practically say to the Government, and it will be interesting to se« what steps will bo taken to uphold the law. The Act provides that any union or. person "taking part" in a strike is liable to be dealt with by the Arbitration Court, and there is no doubt but that this is the present attitude- of the miners. Further than this the' strike has been judged to be an illegal act, and the continuance of that act must also be illegal. It is safe to say that law-breakers of any other class would have been made to answer for their deeds long ago, but when it comes to enforcing the Arbitration Act a strange reluctance is shown. The jyress will have to arouse the Government to a sense of their responsibility in the matter.