A GENERAL STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14926, 26 February 1912, Page 4

A GENERAL STRIKE.

I Sir.—lt has been stated on several occa- | sions recently, both in New Zealand and | elsewhere, by sonic of the officials of labour I unions and association-!, that if employers j wpuld not grant the concessions asked, such a strike would result as would "stop the j wheels of industry," " paralyse New Zea--1 land," " bring employers to their knees." etc. Such threats as these are not calculated I to assist in settling disputes, but rather have tho reverse effect, and prevent that harmonious discussion and amicable adjustment which some of these same officials sav they desire. 'I ho point I wish to bring forward, however is whether such a body as the Federation of Labour, by ordering a general strike, could actually accomplish tlio results some appear to think within its power. I firmlv believe not. and think that, the rather boastful individuals who come forward at rimes with these threats are vastly mistaken although doubtless considerable inconvenience and hardship would in many-cases follow, and would affect none inoro surely than the strikers and their families. The strength of the "labour" element as against, the residue of the population is the question. There i- no wisdom in avoiding the subject a - it is (he crucial point, and must be known sooner or later. If a general strike bv labour in order to gain some end were to eventuate --a strike by employers is not so probable but is still possible— not and could not, the moderate and remaining portion of the ' commit keep "(lie wheels! of industry " going sufficiently In ensure a reasonable degree of comfort for citizens and residents until matters were readjusted. In ntv opinion, the portion of the community not bound to the labour organisations. could, and would, do so. but combined action would | lie necessary to ensure the desired result, j Would if not. be a wise precaution, then Ito form an association, the members of ; which, 110 matter what their ordinary occupations might be. would be. willing (if Hie exigencies of (he city or the whole district | quired* to leave their usual occupations | for a time, and give practical and actual | assistance in all the common departments of I so-called labour? Such an association would i require scarcely any management, beyond ! <!;."> Mining of a list, of names to bo held by say. the Mavor. for referencp. >."0 paid «ecriitary no office, no ".subs." J venture to ! think the effect of a strike modified bv the work of such a combination, would' be something of a surprise to all interested and that a good many changes of occupation would permanently occur probably to the benefit of all concerned. To some extent, tlio principle was acted on in the recent Brisbane strike, and was successful in keep ing even such luxuries as the trams runnine. Should any'others see matters in the s«me light, I for one am willing to do mv share.

One other point—the term " scab "is not infrequently used by labour officials. " The term is offensive, and doubtless intended to b* so. and should consequently be treated as offensive language if persisted in, bv hrinir ing offenders before the Courts. I'suffeesfc that its use be dropped. Practical