THE COST OF STRIKES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3832, 23 August 1927, Page 8

THE COST OF STRIKES.

PATRIOTISM OF MR RICHARD SEDDON. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, July 4. From the Oriental Club, Hanover square. Sir Leybourne Davidson writes to The Times: “When the country is discussing the probable effects of the Trade Unions Bill I think it will interest many people to know that in 1894 the Scddon Government in New Zealand got a Bill passed making strikes and lock-outs criminal offences. Compulsory arbitration and conciliation were tire alternatives, and in perhaps his most eloquent speech Mr Seddon, at Rotorua, pointed out the misery and suffering caused by a strike or lock-out in a primary producing industry, such as coal mining, whereby endless suffering was caused to a whole chain of industries dependent upon it. “Discussing the measure with him, I asked him what he would do if a strike did take place, and his characteristic reply was, with a bang of his fist on the table: ’There will be no strike in my time,’ and there was not. What we have lost by strikes in recent times, what New Zealand gained by freedom from them, is well worth the consideration of every thinking man. I had luncheon with Mr Seddon the day he died, June 10, 1906, and by his death the Empire lost a great patriot we could ill-afford to spare.”