WHAT CONCERNS EVERYBODY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18051, 27 September 1920, Page 9

WHAT CONCERNS EVERYBODY

THE SHORTAGE OF COAL.

THE CURSE OF STRIKES, STRIKES, STRIKES.

Every day -we hear people complain, How long is this accursed "shortage of to continue?" Wo aro asked, What is the Government going to do about it?" No wonder tho peoplo aro bitterly annoyed. It has been going on for snoh a length of time. Wo have suffered the railway out, stoppage of trams, reduct,on of £««. supply, shortage of cement and other building materials, and works having to closo down or limit their operations—all because of shortage of coal. "GO-SLOW" AND THE CONFERENCE. First we had months of the "go-slow" business, the meannest and most dastardly kind of striko known. This cost tho dominion many thousands, and loss was entailed on tho peoplo individually and collectively. In February of this yoar tho Coal Disputes' Conference sat for nine days, -with the Prime Minister presiding. An agreement -was made, and tho people of New Zealand were promised that the "go-slow" restriction of output would cease. If tho people woro lied to they have a right to b" angry. For a brief spell it seemed as if the mines were going to bo worked regularly and the output maintained, and then came the old game over again. STRIKES AGAINST THE PUBLIC. Wo have witnessed tho occurrence of short irritation atrikea, one off and another 'on, for several months. There have been stoppages at the Blackball mine, at the State mine, at Hantly, Pukemiro, Rotowaro, and at Taupiri. There were threats of a , general stoppage on account of minor troubles at Taratu, Green Island, Mataura, and Gore, although by reasoning Mr Hally (commissioner) was able to effect an agreement. One strike is over the payment of a levy to Broken Hill by some workmen, another is on account of the railway fares charged, another is said to be in support of conscientious objectors. What wo wish to emphasise is that any difference of opinion is seemingly quite enough to start a. strike on. The "go-slow" practice was resumed at three mines because of difference of opinion respecting- the application of tho agreement, as if that could not be reasoned out whilst work went on. These constant strikes of irritation have one definite meaning: they hit the publio all the time; but we were informed by a miner recently that the men behind them say: "Damn the puHio." which, no doubt the publio will like. POLICY OP CURTAILING SUPPLIES. We have observed for some time past that whenever the Government has arranged for an incensed supply of coal by importing there have very shortly followed stoppages, or reduction of output, at one or more of the local mines. This has occurred so often that we are forced to believe that it does not come about by accident, nor is it a matter of mere coincidence. From a careful study of the matter we are convinced that the miners of this country, or some of them, are being used as tools to carry out the treacherous designs of etarvinjj the industries and people of New Zealand of coal. It is reasonably that the revolutionists h.iye entered upon the deliberate policy of limiting output, curtailing stocks, and reducing supplies to the consumers. Whether they are miners or other persons who are drrecting this campaign of contemptihje exploitation, they are traitors to tho dominion and the people who inhabit it. They hold New Zealand's economic life by the throat, and are saying , in effect, like a common footpad: "Give us all you have or wo wifl throttle you and Your industries." Does New Zealand exist for the miners or the miners for New Zealand? That. i 3 the question to be settled soon, and finally. HOW XHE PEOPLE SUFFER , : In a hundred different ways the people are feeling the pinch of low. coal, supply. Three days in Wellington "meant trams stopped, gas end power limited, corporation expenditure increased by thousands of pounds, wages of employees off work lost, old people confined to bed for want of firing, infirm and invalid people suffering. Auckland city is on the verge of a general stoppage of trams and other services on account of "no coal." Masterton is in tho throes of serious trouble in the same way. _ Cement cannot bo got, building materials short, transport delayed, prices made higher and tho burden of living made over harder by shortening of coal supply, since it affects all vital industries. The workers in town and country pay, pay, and go short. What do you think of the traitors who say "Damn the public" QUESTIONS REQUIRING ATTENTION. To Mi? Massey, his colleagues, and the members of both Houses, we put the questions without notice:— (1) Why shotdd the mas 3 of "the peoplo have to suffer thus at the hands of an irresponsible minority? (2) Why are not both mine owners and miners' organisations % made fully responsible for the acts of their members, seeing that these acts are causing the publio much loss and suffering? (3) Is tho Government and elected representatives of tho people, or a section of self-constituted rulers going to direct industrial affaire within the dominion? To sum the matter up—we contend that the time has come when the Government should soy plainly, and maJto good what they say, that lie restricting of coal output nnd supply must cease, and that vicious acts in restraint of this vital industry will be made penal offences. All the parties directly concerned should be definitely informed that'unless the mines are going to be voluntarily worked in a constant, regular manner so as to ensure a proper output the Government will enlist the support of all loyal citizens and take drastic steps to ensure tho results required to meet the needs of the people. Mr Massey has indicated that it will bo necessary to take some strong action if things do not change, and if it is definite, firm, and in the general interest he can bo assured that all true citizens, without consideration of politics, will be with the Government. / The test seems inevitable—tho State or a section. We would nrefer to see the section learn sense in time, for the issue must be settled soon, and the State must win —Contributed by the New Zealand Welfare League.