MORE HOPEFUL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12406, 26 August 1918, Page 4

MORE HOPEFUL.

Tlie position regarding the mining trouble is still delicate, but it is more hopeful than it was a week ago. As a result of a conference with the miners’ representatives the Minister proposes to appoint a Royal Commission >,to inquire into the merits of the' dispute. It is an encouraging sign that the majority of miners are staying at their work, though some of the mines on the West Coast are idle. Mr R. Semple, on behalf of tlie Federation, has asked to return to their work, and when he is'able to exercise his undoubtedly strong personal influence with the men there should bo peace, at least for a time. The difficulty of negotiating with representatives of men still on strike is an obvious one, and the owners are entitled to make a preliminary condition that-work at all the mines should be resumed. The public will welcome thp appointment of a Royal Commission, which is to conduct a general stocktaking, covering much wider ground than the dispute between the miners and the owners. The owners ar 0 to meet the Minister on Wednesday next, and it is to ho hoped that some course will be adopted which will lead to a solution of the present difficulty. A coal strike would cause serious loss and hardship, and there.is the obvious possibility of th 0 trouble spreading and the whole Dominion being involved in an upheaval similar to that of fire years ago. While there should be no surrender to mere ing selfishness, serious efforts, 'should bo made to avoid the industrial trouble which threatens. The Royal Commission should consist of able men, who can he relied upon to protect the interests of thg public and devise a fair solution of a big and pressing problem.