THE MINERS' THREAT.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 566, 2 December 1915, Page 9

THE MINERS' THREAT.

AN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION. MR MASSEY'S ANSWER. Press Association,. WELLINGTON, December 1. A few *days ago the Point Elizabeth and Liverpool State Collieries Employees' Industrial, Union passed a resolution "resenting jthe utterances of certain members of the Ministry and the Press inasmuch'as they are endeavouring* to bring on a feeling favourably to conscription of the flesh and blood of the working class of New Zealand* while at the same time failing to conscript; the wealth and private property of the rich. Furthermore, we are, deterr mined to n&et such ia calamity - as conscription by industrial revolution." A copy was forwarded to the

Prime Minister, who to-night stated that he had; forwarded a reply to the anion, in which he took exception to the wording and- sentiments expressed in "the resolution. He' was proud that were referred to as the working classes had volunteered so well for service, and reminded the union that there were no Class distinctions in the • trenches, hor were there' any : iti New Zealand in the manner implied in the resolution. Ninety-five per cent, of the people t>f New Zealand were workers. t>: i r » •": . , "Let me say in conclusion," added Mr Massqy in .his reply, "that if the last " sentence of your resolution is intended' to threaten the Government, it-will' not have the slightest effect; andj| ; while expressing- no opinion at present on the subject of conscription or' compulsory service, the •66vepAtaefat'^ , wiH' r< ' do exactly what it believes right from a national standpoint, and is prepared to take the consequences."