The Star. FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1018. THE COAL CRISIS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12410, 30 August 1918, Page 5

The Star. FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1018. THE COAL CRISIS.

Tho indication that tho coal mine owners will agree to hold a confcronco regarding tho mining situation will ho noted with approval and some relief by the public. There are some very serious issues at stake, and in these times it is desirable that nothing which can bo done to avoid serious industrial strife should bo loft undone. Tho public, as tho Minister of Minos points out, has behaved with very great patience under an accumulation of coal troubles, in spite of a strong feeling that it was not getting a square deal in the matter of prices. Wo have already pointed out that tho public can expect no help from tlio miners, who aro merely concerning themselves with their own determination to get more money out of tho owners. The whole question should bo reviewed with tho greatbst care, and when that is done the Government should act promptly and decisively. Tho mine owners have shown a generous spirit in their concession to the times, and the prior condition that all tho miners should return to work pending the negotiations is a proper one. The attitude of the miners during tho past few weeks has been provocative, and had tho times been ordinary ones their challenge would have been taken up, regardless of consequences. It is not good statesmanship to allow any section of the community to get the idea that it controls the whole situation, and that the unscrupulous use of certain powers will bo tolerated. Principles aro often more sacred than peace, and if concessions are being made it should be understood that there aro limits to them. ,/We hope that the threatened trouble will be avoided, but the miners will Ijave to recognise that all the reasonableness will not come from one side.