THE FEELING OF THE COUNTRY.

Colonist, Volume LVIII, Issue 14395, 24 April 1917, Page 4

THE FEELING OF THE COUNTRY.

[United Peess Association.]

Wellington, April 23. Intoiviewed *by a reporter, Sir Jas. Allen said that the Ministers told the miners' delegates perfectly plainly that the Government would not repeal the Military Service Act., or propose its repeal, or submit the question to a refer-i endum. They had every hope that the trouble would be ended and the men resume work veiy soon. If the men did not agree to resume work, there was nothing for it but for the Government to see it through. At the Anzac celebrations to-day the Hons. A. L. Herdman, G. W. Russell, and A. M.-. Myers referred to the miners' strike. The speeches emphasised that Cabinet was completely united in • regard to the Military Service Act, which was going to be upheld at all costs. Cabinet wa3 determined (that the fair name of New Zealand was not going to be tarnished by a few misguided man, who would be well advised to do their duty. A meeting of the Merchant Service Guild sesolved "That'" this representative meeting or masters and officers"expresses its "condemnation of the action of coalnuners in striking at the present time, when the life of the nation is at stake, and will heartily support the Government in whatever action it may take in the matter."

WGStport, April 23

At the Anzac Day celebration a stirring addioss was delivered by the llev. Mr. Patcheit, of (jreyinoutii, whose anti-strike remarks ivere demonstratively applauded.

Core, April 23

A large meeting of farmers passed a resolution indignantly repudiating . a statement in the "Maoriland Worker" that "down in Southland there is an extraordinary development of opposition to the idea of conscription remaining on the Statute. Book, and almost every farmer there is a synipatliiser >vith the minei-Sj"- The meeting urged the Government to eubdue vhe strike, and pledged its suppoit. invercargijl, April 23. A public mooting to-night discussed the coal strike. There was an overflowing attendance, and^t-he -Mayor presided. The following motion was carried with enthusiasm, "That this public meeting of citizens of Invereargill and surround-, ing .districts d«plores the^continuance^ of: the .coal strike, and pledges itselt ,to support the. National Govermnen t. in giving effect, to any measures that may be deemed necessary to deal with the present national crisis."