Readers Write

Northern Advocate, 4 March 1946, Page 4

Readers Write

Whilst I agree with Mr R. M. Algie, M.P., that the tactics adopted by the audience at Huntly were deplorable in a democratic MR ALGIE AND country, he must MINERS admit certain extenuating circumstances.

The Huntly audience was composed chiefly, I understand, of miners, men who have kept the wheels of industry revolving during the war years, and who. considering the nature of their occupation and deplorable conditions under which they work, were naturally (I use this expression advisedly) "imt .. nder the collar” at being addversed by the Leader of the Opposi-

tion, who win parparecl to promise everything and eventually attain noth-

One can understand the feelings of the miners when you hear, bn every side, remarks such as: “Fancy running a special train on a Sunday for the miners' picnic," from the same people who demand special trains to run to race meetings.

After being privileged to visit a coal mine and observe for myself the conditions under which the miners earn

their living—l say living—l can sympathise with any demand the miners make in the way ol' better working conditions, wages, etc., be it under National, Labour or any other Government.

When Mr Algie is ensconced in his armchair before a roaring coal lire in winter time, meditating on the result of the general election, visualising the defeat of the Labour Party, let him give a thought to the men who hewed the coal for his and everyone’s bodily comfort and who. when giving vent to their feelings in public or in private, are putting their own construction on the meaning of Democracy.—“M.H.E."