The Star. MONDAY, MAY 3, 1926. THE COAL STRIKE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17836, 3 May 1926, Page 8

The Star. MONDAY, MAY 3, 1926. THE COAL STRIKE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.

The position in the coal dispute, bad as it is, -would be mucli worse if there were no prospect of a resumption of negotiations for a settlement, but there is a ray of hope in the fact that the owners’ offer has not yet been considered in all its bearings, and is almost certain to provide the basis for further negotiation. The fact that it was delayed until the last moment, when a cessation of work had come about automatically, will create a feeling of sympathy for the miners in quarters where it may not have existed before, for it indicates that the owners were quite prepared to let the dispute drift into a general strike, in face of the most strenuous efforts to take the trouble in time. Mr Baldwin is not far from the truth, however, when he says that all parties will be heavily blamed by the country for their failure to agree, and if he has to take his share of the blame it can at least be pleaded for him that his chief concern is to avoid the continuation of the subsidy, and the repetition of a blunder that has already cost the country £21,000,000. The fact that men and owners have enjoyed such a tremendous subsidy at the expense of the nation is, indeed, one of the reasons why the public will resent any hanging hack, on either side, in an effort to come to a settlement that will tide over the period of reconstruction in the industry. The bounty of the State must cease, no matter what may be done in the industry, and therefore there is an urgent need not only for a conciliatory spirit on both sides, but for the relinquishing of certain benefits that have been secured at the expense of the State. The dispute is purely economic, and not political, and it is important to remember that the commission, while setting its face firmly against the subsidy, indicated that for the purpose of reducing working costs during the period of reconstruction there must be a variation of wages or hours. At the same time, the owners must be prepared to carry on with reduced profits, or no profits. Until both sides are reconciled to the economic facts, it is quite likely that Britain will pass through a very trying time, but it is reassuring to know that there is no evidence of Communist disaffection, and this may help to avert a general paralysis of industry. Meanwhile, the Government will make use of the Emergency Powers Act to carry on the vital services of the country. Already, in every great centre of population, there is a food commissioner, a transport commissioner, a railway commissioner, a postal commissioner, and liaison officers with the troops and with the police. Appeals for volunteers tq help the nation will be made if necessary, and plans will be put into effect to control the transport of the country through the Government. The struggle may be a grim one, but happily the weapon of a general strike will not be used unless the coal stoppage is prolonged, and the negotiations are by no means over as matters stand now.