LIMITING GOAL SUPPLIES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160797, 3 November 1920, Page 4

LIMITING GOAL SUPPLIES.

There has . recently been published a return showing that for the period March Ist to 30th September a term of seven months, stoppages of work caused a loss in' output of 54,788 tons, and “go-slow” pbacticer 4545 tons mope, making a total reduced output of 59,383 tons. The loss In wages which the miners have suffered by these stoppages amounts to 586,785- These figures deal with mines other than the State mine. The greatest loss was at the Pukemiro collieries—l4,Bßo tons- Everybody recognises that the numerous stoppages by depleting the coal supply has entaildd a considerable amount of Joss, hardship and inconvenience on the general public of, the Dominion, Labour has suffered severely by it from the consequently enhanced prices in various directions and even by actual loss of earnings, and the N.£. Welfare League pertinently asks what the miners have made out of this Joss of 826,785. Are the'general supplies, of the miners or any other workers cheaper? Are there more

houses, food, clothing or other necessities In consequence of the shortening of coal supplies? The miners are not fools, and they know that instead of there being more to draw upon there is less. The reasons given for the many stoppages show clearly, that though the workers may have been right in some points of dispute, the stoppages of work were in general deliberate on the part of the miners, therefore the N.Z. Welfare League asks them "What do you make out of It”? During a period of seven months there were eleven stop work meetings and 17 days' strike over railway fares at the Rotowaru and Extended mines, 21 days’ strike over railway fares" and status of engine-drivers at the Pukemiro mine, as also strikes at Denniston, Millerton, and the State mine. The Welfare League is naturally puzzled to know what advantages the miners have gained by their actions, and in an open letter appeal to the miners says:—• We are not abusing the miners and have no inclination in that direction. it shouit be recognised that their work is arduous and in some instances their working environment entails a very hard strain both on mind and body- Their conditions are, sometimes handled with lack of appreciation and proper sympathy. When, for instance, the miners kicked against the Railway Department’s provision at Greymouth to carry men to work at 6.15 a.m. and leave them some time in the cold and wet they were right in their protest. It is with regard to the general policy Of stoppages of work and “go slow” practice we are herein dealing. We cannot see what the miners get out ol it and will gladly consider it if any miners ..will tell us. We know the miners are men who will fight for a principle regardless of the cost. What we ask them, with all respect, 1s "what do you get out of these stoppages of work either in the way of principle or material benefit”? If you get nothing out of It then surely as men you will no longer allow anyone to push you into it whether they are workers or bosses.