THE MELBOURNE STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12271, 15 May 1903, Page 7

THE MELBOURNE STRIKE.

TO THE EDITOIt.

Sir,—The want of tact, judgment, forbearance, and common sense shown by both sides on this question must end in strengthening the chains in which labour has been held in past ages, rather than tend towards increased freedom and liberty. In this case- I have no sympathy with tho men. because they have practically ignored the Parliament—which is the voice of the whole people taken upon themselves responsibilities that only the whole people through Parliament should assume. A section of the people are taking the law into their own hands and bringing ruin on the whole. Tho people must rule, and rule through Parliament, if wo would advance towards a bettor social state. Reforms must be to tho benefit of a majority of the people before they can with safety bo put into practice. "Surely the Trades Hall party are not so silly as to beliovo that they can capture tho Government of tho country by a strike. Ministers maydo wrong, and, in this caso, have been too overbearing, but that is no reason why the other side should lose their senses and go on strike before they have appealed to " public opinion" through the Parliament of the country. In this caso I maintain that, the trains must bo run, and the work carried on, even if the whole world is scoured to find the men. Colonial " selfishness" in legislation is now bearing its vile fruit.—l am, etc., A. Sanfokd. May 11, 1903.