THE LABOUR PROBLEM.

Waipa Post, Volume 31, Issue 1776, 29 June 1926, Page 4

THE LABOUR PROBLEM.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—The optimist’s faith in human mature must sometimes be subject to great strains. At other times things happen which go far in support of his beliefs. l Take, for example, the sudden affection of the Russian trades unionist for the British coal miner, now on strike, an affection which, can be measured in hard cash. Absorbed in his newly won freedom and prosperity—at least we understand, that he is free and prosperous—the cynical would conclude that Ivan had little time for the troubles of anyone else. Indeed, it is hard to say how he became aware of them. The great mass of the- Russians are, as yet, illiterate, and at the best newspapers in- that’ country are few and far between. Such as are published, however, have the advantage that they all advocate the same opinions, which is a great help to readers in making up their minds. Ivan, however, read, or was told about, the state of his British brothers, and responded nobly. In fact, Ave are told that lest he should forget his obligations his contributions are deducted from his pay beforehand. Certainly the Russian is in the happy position of receiving the full product of his labours, less a few deductions, and in the coal mining industry this is said to amount to nearly 30s a Aveek in our money. As Russia has taken over the ScandinaAdan coal market for Britain since the strike, possibly he may get a little more. If these- markets are retained it means permanent unemployment, so far as coal mining is concerned, for a considerable number of Britishers, but then on e cannot think of everythingi I AA'ould commend the present position in Europe, particularly England and Russia, to the thoughtful people in our oavii country, and hope that they will never countenance, methods—Communistic or otherwise — that Avill so halt! production, as to force trade into foreign channels. — I am, etc,

OBSERVER.