COAL MINER'S STRIKE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16985, 23 April 1917, Page 2

COAL MINER'S STRIKE.

MINISTERS' MISSION CONCLUDED.

STATEMENT BY SIR JAMES

ALLEN

{Fib United Peksb Association.) GHRISTCHURCH, April 21. Sir Jas. Allr.u and the Hon. Mr MacDonald passed'through Christcliurch to-iiiyht from tho West Coast, on their way to Wellington.

Sir Jas. Allen said.vtho conference with the miners' delegates lasted till 3 a.m. thatday. H© hoped that tho arrangements mado at it, which were to be submitted to the minexs, would produce good I'csulte. Tho delegates "'played the game" right through as fur as tho Ministers wero cancorned, and met them in a conciliatory spirit.

When asked if ho could givo any indication as to how long the would last, Sir Jas. Allen replied that the public- would be very wrong over to lose hope. Tho whole matter is to be discussed by tho Cabinet on Monday, and a reply from tho miners will bo received in a very short time MILITARY SERVICE ACT. CONDEMNED' BY WTSSTTORT GENERAL UNION. REPEAL DEMANDED. t (Peb United Pbess Association.) WESTPOUT, April 21. At a ballot taken by tho Westport General Union it was' decided by 98 votes to 56 to support tho following resolution: — "That we, the members of tho General Labourers' Union, express entire wholehearted sympathy with and approve of the Coal Miners' Unions in their strike against the Conscription Act. Likewise, we desire to enter our emphatic protest against the Act, and call on tho Government immediately to repeal it.

" We express our sincere regret that the Government has shown so little consideration for tho importance of national unity, in that it ever turned a deaf ear to organised Labour's repeated protests against tho Act, and still further accentuated the troublo by the uncalled-for severity of its dictatorship. We sincerely hopo that the Government will endeavour to alleviate tho unrest and prevent tho further spread of industrial upheaval by immediately repealing the Act." APPEAL TO MINERS' WIVES. MEETING OF WOMEN IN CHRISTCHURCH. (Per United Pbess Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, April 21. A meeting of Christchurch women, called by the Canterbury branch of the Women's National Reserve, v-as held to-day to appeal to tho miners' wives particularly, and the womenfolk generally, to use theiT influence to end the miners' strike. The meeting was attended by about 100 women. The meeting commenced in an orderly manner, but a section of the Anti-conscrip-tionists submitted a hostile motion, and at one time feeling ran liiyh. The president of the branch, moved: — "That the members of the Christchurch branch of the Women's National Reserve wish to express their sincere sympathy with the 'iwives of tho miners on strike, as only women know how in such a crisis it is the wives and children who suffer most. They venture to hope, also, that the wives of the miners will use their influence with their husbands to persuade them to reconsider their decision and to remind them that this is in a large measure a War to vindicate the rights of women and children. The brutalities of the Germans to tho women of Belgium would alone, apart from other horrors, justify this war. The cause of the Allies should appeal to the chivalry of men as well as to their love of justice and freedom. In striking at this time, when tho war is all but won, tlm men arc helping tho 'enemy, and in their loyalty to their leaders forget another and higher loyalty to their own hearths and homes." ' Qne of the anti-militarists moved oho following amendment:—"That this meeting of Christchurch women sends greetings to the wives, mothers, and sisters of tho West Coast miners. We, wish you success in your noble and disinterested light against military absolutism, and we invite you to enter into arrangements whereby you shall, with your children, enjoy tho hospitality of our homes throughout the duration of this struggle'

Alter angry protests from the back of the hall the motion was carried by a huge majority.

During the singing of the National Anthem at the close of the meeting the disaffected portion of the audience remained seated. COAL SUPPLIES IN "WELLINGTON. STOCKS PRACTICALLY EXHAUSTED. NONE AVAILABLE FOR THE PUBLIC. (Pee Dkitkd Press Association.) WELLINGTON, .April 21. Wellington coal merchants sold all their stocks and closed taking orders seme days ago. ._ The shipping companies will bo seriously affected. Possibly one steamer only will bo run in tho Wellington-Lyttolton ferry oervico, although it is suggested that the Government may supply sufficient coal to maintain the prosent service. No coal is available for the general public. Tho Government offices are to open at 8.30 a.m. and close at 4.30 p.m. during the coal crisis, in order to save electric light. Tho Wellington Gas Company has sufficient coal for one month's normal requirements for 15,000 consumers. x SHORTAGE IN WAIMATE. , DAYLIGHT SAVING URGED. (Psb United Press Association.) WAIMATE, April 21. At a large meeting of business men to-, day tho chairman of tho Gas warned tho community that there was only a few weeks' coal supply in stock; therefore they should aesist by economising and daylight -saving wherever possible. SUPPORT FOR THE GOVERNMENT. PLEDGES OF CO-OPERATION. (Pub United Puess Association.) CARTERTON, April 21. A. well-attended and thoroughly representative meeting in-the Town "Hall, Greytown, last night passed! tho following resolution unanimously:—" That this meeting desire to express their warmest sympathy with tho Government in the present crisis caused by the striko of coal miners, and pledgo themselves to support every effort made to bring it to a speedy end." The principal speakers wore tho Mayor and Mr J. T. M. Hornsby, M.P. When the motion was passed the meeting rose and sang the National Anthem. •

HAWERA, April 21. At a conference of the Taranaki Trustees of tho Efficiency Board yesterday a resolution was unanimously passed expressing their sympathy and willingness to heartily co-operate with tho National Government in its endeavoifr to carry out the Military Service Act, and to assist in scouring the men needed for reinforcements till the end of the war. A similar resolution was adopted by the Chamber of Commerce.

GORE, April 21. A largely-attended meeting called by tho Mayor passed a resolution condemning the coal miners' attitude, and upholding the Government in any steps which it"'may decide to take with a view to ending the strike.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) WANGANUI, April 22. ' A large, and representative gathering of business people and workers assembled last night to consider the coal mine strike. The Mayor (Mr C. E. Mackay), who presided, said that while a few irresponsibles had precipitated a disaster which might be irretrfcvable, he fully believed the majority of the miners were loyal to King and country. Ho urged ; the meeting * to pass a resolution which he moved urging organised Labour to make national unity their watchword until tho enemies of civilisation were subdued. Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P., in seconding the motion, said that, as a trade unionist almost all his life, he felt that a resolution condemnatory of the strike would not have the result they all so much desired. This was a time when all persona! feelings must be suppressed and the Empire put first. Ho was certain that an appeal to the better part of tho men -would be more likely to succeed. Speaking as one who know", lie could assure the meeting that it was only

a great spirit of loyalty that had kept tho mon back bo long,; from submitting to tho influence of some who were endeavouring to lead them oil' tho track. A very largo percentage of the miners had nobly responded to the call of Empire, and ho urged all to think of (hat typo as the miner class rather than of tho others who wore instrumental in causing the present troubles. Tho majority of the minors wore loyal, and ho Sully believed that if an appeal to their better natures were made it would have greater and more successful results than a threat. Tho motion was carried. Another proposition sympathising with tho Government and pledging support was withdrawn, after a long discussion, on the advice of Mr Veitch, who said that tho Government wanted help, not sympathy. Tho only way to help now was, beforo taking drastic action, to try to get the mon to realise tho serious mistake to the country and the Empire that they were making. (PEB tjRITBP PnKBS ApSOCIATIOiO WANGANUI, April 22. Tho above resolution was also read before a big audience at a returned soldiers' patriotic entertainment, and was carried with enthusiasm.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) PALMERSTON N., April 22,

At tho annual mooting of tho Palmerston North branch of the Farmers' Union tho following resolution was carried unanimously:—" That this branch of the Farmers' Union strongly objects to the attitude of the minors in the coal striko, and offers its support to the Government in any emergency, and suggests that all the strikers should bo deprived of-their civil rights." A Palmerston agent for one of the largest mines on the West Coast said that, barring present supplies on hand, no further coal was available. His clients were mostly tho dairy factories in Taranaki and the flaxmills and dairy companies in the Manawatu district. The present shortage would not affect the dairy factories much, as they were at tho end of the season, but the stocks of householders' coal were so low that a serious pinch would bo felt. A coal dealer states that one objectionable feature in the present shortage is that well-to-do people order coal, and when the orders' are delivered it is discovered that the persons in question had good quantities on hand. It has how been decided to supply only those really in want. With the closing down of a number of sawmills, owing to tho Railway Department's refusal to carry timber, it is suggested that tho hands so released could undertake woodcutting and somewhat relieve the situation. As a measure of economy all the street lamps are forthwith to be turned out at 10.30 p.m.

RESTRICTIONS IN RAILWAY SERVICE. MEETINGIrTDUNELIN. RECONSIDERATION REQUESTED. SUPPORT FOR THE GOVERNMENT. A large and representative mooting of citizens, composed mainly of thoso connected with tho commercial life of the city, was held in the Towi Hall on Saturday morning to consider the'serious and imminent dislocation of business that is threatened as a, resiult of the drastic, curtailment of the railway services considered necessary by t;re Government in view of the West Coast coal strike. The resolution moved by Mr Fenwiek, and carried by the meeting, bore directly upon both of theso important matters. It urged tho Government to reconsider tho proposed, reduction of train services, which is fixed to como into operation to-day, and to use every endeavour in its power to bring tho strike to an end, assuring it at tho same time that the citizens of Dunedin would support any action -that was taken. The. Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark) presided, and there were close on 150 persons present.

In making clear what led up to the meeting, Mr Clark said that on tho previous morning a deputation of well-known citizens had placed concisely before him tho diffi; cultios that would immediately arise from the curtailment of tho railway service, pointing out that unless some provision could be made for bringing into the city such things as were essential for our manufacturing in-, dustries, and for allowing our products to leave, it would mean paralysing practically the whole of the city and shutting down many factories and warehouses. A large number of men would consequently bo thrown out of 'work, and in response to the request of the deputation he had consented to take tho chair at that meeting, becauso he bcljeved it was his duty to do so. He did not feci in a position to express an opinion regarding the action taken by tho Government. Tho country was at war, and if it were doomed necessary to bring severe pressure on the community in order that the war might come to a successful conclusion more speedily it was tho duty of everyone to put up with tho inconveniences and make tho one object that cf helping to win the' war.—(Applause.) At tho same time thoy all felt that they should do everything in their power to relievo the burden that rested upon everybody, and that pressed heavily on some, and loyally sink all differences in order to help the Empire to victory.—(Applause.) Mr Fenwiek then moved the following resolution :—" That, in view of the serious consequences to all sections of the community in this city which will follow upon the extreme curtailment of railway services about to take place, the Government bo. urged: (1) To reconsider the proposed reduction of train services, in viow of the fact that it may be possible, so far as Otago and Southland are concerned, to carry on with coal from the local mines. (2) To endeavour by all possible moans in their power to bring to an end tho disastrous strike of the YVest Coast minors, which is inflicting such serious injury upon the whole of the loyal community. This mooting further desires to assure tho Government that in any action it may take it will have tho support of the citizens of Dunedin."

At tho outset Mr Fenwiek emphasised the fact that they -should not approach this resolution 'from tho standpoint of hostile criticism of the Government, either on account of its action or want of action. They should realise to tho very fidlest extent that, through tho war, tho Government had been placed in a position such as no New Zealand Government had ever been placed before, and in his judgment it had acted with prudence and also with a considerable amount of courage. It had caused men to bo arrested and placed in gaol—-and richly they deserved to be placed ill gaol—(applause)—against the loud threats and sometimes the violent protests of certain unions-—unions whoso members were essential to tho successful carrying on of the commerce and industries of the dominion. The meeting, therefore, should not approach the consideration of this question with any desire to criticise tho Government because

it luifl failed to go us far as sonic people thought it should go, and if thoso present passed thu resolution Mihmitted to them thoy would do so with a full desire to recognise the Government's efforts, anil witli a realisation of rhe difficulties under which it was labouring. With respect to the first part of the motion, ho had no doubt that theiv had b<»m long deliberations between the Gov rnment and the Railway Department !■■.•! ore a conclusion was arrived at, which, if ..v.rriocl Into effect, ! would deprive (he di.ni.i. .mi of its railwav I services to an extent (::.•.: would bo abso- ! lutcly disastrous, jt w.i:. well known that locally the oir'ect would be seriously to prejudice, the welfare of the city and the I province. The projected curtailment would I affect both the despatch of goods to tiie country and the sending in of produce from ! the coii.nlry; ;ind, in addition, it would \ affect the exportation—of rabbits, for 'x- ! ample,—which were needed at Home for the army. For these reasons, if it were possible to secure a modification of the drastic reductions about to be imposed, such a course was highly rVrirablu, and it was the business of that r ;:r ■senfcative meeting to show how (lie mil: r might be reconsidered. He was net too sanguine that much could be done, and since the duty had fallen to him of proposing the motion ho had thought it necessary to consult the manager of the Kaitangata Railway and Coal Company that morning and discover the position with regard to the supplies the Kaitangata mine could give the Government for the augmentation of the railway services. He had not been particularly reassured in that interview. Mr Lee informed him that prior to the war the company's output was 16,000 tous per month during the winter. Now the mine was not, and would not be, able to supply more than 8000 tons. The manager pointed out, that whereas previously there had been about 500 miners employed in the mine, there were now only 275, and of these only 64 were hewers of coal. He also pointed out that it was impossible to get more men. This at once showed the difficulty, because here, was the largest soft coal mine in this part of New Zealand, and it was now working to its full output without prospect of being able to provide more. Mr Lee also pointed out that the shortage was likely to be greater. There was a continuous reduction in the number of hewers and men necessary in the mine. And he added that if this motion were pressed it would put the Government in the Dosition of having to consider the claims of Otago, whilst unfavourably considering other sections of the South, Island. The company was already in such a position that it could not send coal to Canterbury, as it had been accustomed to do, and if the meeting urged the Government to provide facilities for Otago .which they could not grant to Canterbury, that would be unfair. Continuing, the speaker said he was sure that the meeting did not wish to bo > unfair, but he did not know that they neocl regard the matter strictly in accord with the views expressed by Mr Lee. They could shave their burden to some extent with Canterbury; yet provide possibly something that would enable produce to be sent from the country and vice versa without affecting the position as the Government viewed it. It had been suggested to him that our factories and businesses might be helped even if one train a. week were,set aside for things essential to our industries. It was possible that the Government might, have taken a broader view of this matter than was abfolutoly necessary, and that there might bo some modification of the restrictions without seriously affecting the supply the Government deemed necessary. If that were so. it was reasonable to ask them to reconsider the question, and see if something could not bo done. That was all the meeting was asking, and he was sure those present were unanimous in their desire to assist the Government to win the war as speedily as possible.—(Applause.) The effect of the proposed curtailment, would bo immediate and serious so far as business was concerned, and his own company had already found it necessary to arrange for motor services in various parts of Otago and also' in Southland, so that the papers could reach the people who wanted to read them. Proceeding to deal with the second portion of tho resolution, Mr 'Fenwiek said that this was the most serious part of the matter, and he felt that in approaching it moderation must bo exercised. There v<as no uso passing inflammatory resolutions. To do so would be to suggest that the Government had not done what it should have done. He thought that what had been done during the week—the visit of the Acting Prime Minister and tho Hon. Mr MacDonald to the West Coast —had been a very wise step, though ho knew some people thought the Government should ' have clapped the whole lot in .gaol. It would not have been reasonable —and, in fact, it would have been impossible—to follow such a course with a large number of men. The authorities could only have seized and confined tlie leaders, and personally ho had no ddubt somo of them ought to" be in gaol now: It was only during that week the Government bad taken preliminary steps towards such an end, for on/ Tuesday a proclamation had been gazetted declaring as essential industries under the War Regulations the shipping industry, the carriage of goods, merchandise, or passengers by land or sea, tho loading and unloading of ships and the frozen moat industry. According to a northern newspaper, tho effect of these regulations would be'that concerted action on the part of any workers to interfere with the conduct of the shipping industry or any of the industries mentioned would amount to a seditious strike, for which a fine up to £100 was provided, or 12 months' imprisonment. This gave power to deal drastically with the striking miners, and he hoped fhey would take a, reasonable view. Ho might point out that the Huntly miners, who had strong feelings, had decided by ballot, notwithstanding those feelings, to go back to work. He could not but think that tho men. on the West Coast would in all probability find, that they, too, were doing a wise thing if they adopted the course followed by the Huntly minors. Their strike was for tho purpose of defeating tho Military Service Act, and it was quite hopeless. The members of the Government would be acting as poltroons if they considered for a moment tho repeal of that Act. —(Applause.) He was sure the meeting was unanimous about that. —(Applause.) The strike was a futile and wicked one, and the strikers should see that the course they were following could not bring them success. In any case, so far as tho Military" Service Act was concerned, tho Government could not act without the consent of Parliament, and it would be a great pity if Hie miners did not listen to the representations of the Ministers.—(Applause.) Tho motion was seconded by Mr F. W. Mitchell, who said that the action of the men who were responsible for the lamentable state of affairs on the West Coast could not be too strongly condemned. He could not believe that the leaders who organised the strike represented in any real sense the voice or opinion of the workers. For that reason he thought tho Government had taken the right action in' making the appeal it was now doing to the men themselves, by giving them the opportunity of a secret ballot to repudiate their leaders. He thought it was rather a question whether Otago coal would bo suitable for .driving engines, but he considered that a train such as tho one suggested would be of material benefit to the manufacturing and business part of the community.—(Applause.) Mr J. Loudon said that the first thing to bj done was to win the war. With regard to tho railway service, he felt that the Government had probably made a mistake in putting a prohibition on certain goods, and tho speaker "proceeded ■to give an instance of his own. The sand at present used by the Drainage Board, the City Council, builders, and other people was no longer to be carried by the railways from Green Island, although it was brought on tho same trains that carried the coai, and this meant, eo far as ho had been able to ascertain, that between.. 70 and 80 men would be put out of action. It would be a pity to shut down that industry for one if it could be avoided, and in any case he did not think it would help the Government much to close down industries.—(Applause.) The Mayor said h« thought, it was quite apparent that the restrictions upon tho train services, meant tho 'most serious- position we had over had to face in Duncdin, and the worst feature of it would probably be the immense number of men that would be thrown out of work., That would be al> solutnly disastrous, becauso at a timo like tho present there wore a groat number of people who could not afford to bo out of employment. Even general labourers, as Mr Loudon had pointed out, , engaged in public work might, if tho railway carried its proposed regulations into effect, find themselves without employment. He did not think tho Government would care to ; cau-e severe distress to the whole community, and ho trustod it would give earnest consecration to the representations of that meeting and realise how the position stood. | —(Applause.)

The motion was carried with only one dissentient. voice.

Mr J. Beadle, who had raised his vo : co against the resolution, briefly explained his attitude in regard to the matter. The Government was handling this matter with a v : ew to bringing the trouble to an end. and the best way to do that, was by putting 'unsure upon everybody.—("Hear, hear.") He was not disloyal, but ho thought the motion just carried was a mistake. In passing it they were cutting the feet from under the Government and going against what it

had decided upon as tho best course to bring things to an issue—("Hear, hear.") Tho. mooting terminated with tho singing of tho National Anthem. BREWERS' POSITION. ' a l ' lo V r , ew '" K i"°'"siry has been materially alieeted by the restricted transport facilities. Messrs Speight and Co. state that they have enough repairing and other work outside manufacturing to keep their mon occupied for several weeks,, but it is quite possible that should tho trouble continue for any length of time tho question of reducing the number of hands may havo to bo considered. Messrs M'Gavin and Co.. fnr'mg it impossible to rail or ship all their goods away or to get bailey and empties back, state that tho position is acute. Thoy are unwilling to eloso down or reduce thoir staff, but (hoy have been obliged to inform the men that the matter will havo to bo carefully considered at the end of this week if the conditions do not improve. FLAXMILL WORKERS CONDEMN THE STRIKE. At. a meeting of flaxmill workers, hold at Tcmplcton's mill, Ota-itai, on Wednesday (says tho Western Star), tho West Coast coal striko was discussed, after which the following resolution was carried unanimously:—"That this meeting of flaxmill workers condemns tho strikers for thoir action in the present gravo crisis in tho history of the nation as being umxitriotic, opposed to tho interests of tho State, the workers generally, the men at tho front, and calculated to assist the enemy; pledges itself to support tho Government in any action deemed necessary to cope with the crisis; and calls upon all loyal unionists to refrain from such pro-German methods and to fonn themselves into new unions rather than be misled by disloyal loaders." The mcctmg concluded with throe cheers for the Flag and tho Army and the singing of the National Anthem. The Portobello Railway Ferry Company will carry on a service between Port Chalmers and Dunedm. during tho dislocation of tho railway traffic. Tho Tarewai will leave Port Chalmers daily in the forenoon and return from Dunod : n in tho afternoon, calling at St. Leonards on each trip.