IMPORTATION OF COAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19034, 11 June 1924, Page 4

IMPORTATION OF COAL

The Inangahua branch of the Miners’ Union recently passed a resolution protesting against tho continuous importation of Newcastle coal, and in connection therewith emphasised the harmful effects such importation is inflicting upon the coal-mining industry of the West Coast, and upon the Dominion generally, by sending so much money out of the country for a commodity that can be produced here in abundance and of a quality equal to the best that can be imported. All of which is, of course, perfectly true. In so far as it defines the disadvantages of the policy of importation the resolution of the -union is correct. The question, however, is not one to be determined by a contemplation of the magnitude and quality of our coal deposits. The Oainaru Mail gets down to bedrock when it says that the crux of the whole matter is the maintenance of a constant supply. Hitherto there has been no assurance upon that point. On several occasions the Dominion has been driven to the verge of a coal famine because of the action of the miners in either pursuing a “goslow” policy or ceasing work because of some grievance, often more fanciful than real. Of course there have been occasions when the miners have been forced to take some stops to bring to public notice unfair and improper conditions under which they were working. But even under such circumstances it is extremely doubtful if direct action, which means a strike, is the best method of attaining a desired end. A strike is a barbaric relic of a less enlightened time, and cannot be justified except as a final resort where other and saner methods have failed to enlist attention to causes of complaint or dissatisfaction. The miners’ calling, it should be recognised, is one of unusual discomfort and danger, and it ought to receive special consideration, while every effort should be made to strip it of its dangers so far as human ingenuity, skill and knowledge can tend to immunity. W’hat is needed in the first instance is a good working agreement with a better relationship between employer and employees, and then an undertaking upon the part of the miners to keep up a regular supply of coal on a scale that will enable stocks to be accumulated sufficient to meet any emergency or provide for contingencies. The Mail’s contention, with which we believe all reasonable people will agree, is that until the miners are prepared to give and observe such an undertaking they will have little right to complain of coal being imported in order to ensure the Dominion against a shortage and an attendant injury to industries caused by a cessation of production, either by miners ceasing work or mine-owners keeping supplies at a low ebb in order to inflate prices. The public must be protected from anything of that kind, and as matters stand importation of coal seems to afford the only assurance of safety. It is regrettable from every point of view that it should be ro, and if the miners can bring about an effective and efficient change in tho existing conditions so that importation of coal may cease they will not only strengthen their own industry, but confer a lasting benefit upon the whole Dominion.