DAY BY DAY

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14772, 11 October 1921, Page 4

DAY BY DAY

The agreement between the Goal a Owners’ Association Settlement and the Miners’ of Federation will bo Coal Dispute, received with satisfaction by af] sections of the community, as it is a development which was not altogether anticipated, in view of the Federation’s reiterated demand for a national agreement and the coalowners’ persistent opposition thereto- The gulf seemed a wide one, and the knowledge that it has been satisfactorily bridged by negotiation, without recourse to direct action, is indeed welcome, as betokening the birth of a new spirit. It has been common knowledge that a large section of the, miners are not in favour of the old regime of pinprick and constant unrest, and the agreement just concluded may be regarded as the inauguration of a new and more conciliatory policy between I,he companies and the Federation. The agreement provides for the negotiation for local agreements in which the conditions obtaining at cadi mine will be taken inlo consideration, with recourse In the Arbitration Court should other means provided for the .settlement of disputes fail, The ne-

gotiations have been carried over a lengthy period, ami both parties are ti he congratulated upon the happy outcome. Those conversant with India and its people have issued a The Prince’s strong warning Visit against the proposal To India. that the Prince of Wales should visit that Dominion at this juncture, as th; temper of the Indians is somewhat sullen, and it, is probable that in place of the Heir Apparent being warmly and heartily received lie may be subjected to insults and indignities. The significance of the warning is apparent to an outsider, for there can be no doubt that were the Prince to receive a rebuff in place of a welcome it would do irreparable harm to the power and prestige of the Crown, not only in India but elsewhere. Only those who are in close touch with the Indians can have any conception of the workings of the Indian mind, and it would be folly to ignore their advice in such a momentous matter. Recent events in India have undoubtedly shown that there is a feeling of antagonism to the British, and writers on Indian affairs slate that that antagonism is widespread- There is not much in common between the Hindu and the Irish, and it is hardly likely that the disciples of Ghand. would act as did the assemblage on the London station who had gathered to greet the “Republicans,” but who saw nothing incongruous in voieferously welcoming Royalties. If the Prince of Wales toured Ireland he would probably do much towards welding the Empire. Whether he would have a similar effect in India is problematical, and it is devoutly to be hoped that those responsible will make sure of the ground and not make a rash experiment which might easily end in disaster.