WEAK HANDLING

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21158, 6 July 1940, Page 8

WEAK HANDLING

COAL DISPUTE ALLEGATIONS IN HOUSE MINISTER PRAISES MEN (By Telegraph.—special to Times) WELLINGTON, Friday Statement and reply on the subject of the strike in the State coal mines on the West Coast were heard in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr A. E. Jull (Opposition—Waipawa) described the attitude of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Mines in connection with the strike as a disgraceful exhibition of Ministerial inepitude. “We have the spectacle of the State miners coming out on strike over a matter involving an act of sabotage,” said Mr Jull, “and yet the Prime Minister invites the president of the union to come to Wellington and discuss with him this piece of sabotage.” The Government was supinely failing to act and was showing a weakness that was damaging to the country’s interests, Mr Jull continued, and would be damaging to the prestige of the Government itself unless action were taken to deal with those who were sabotaging the position in regard to coal supplies. Not a Deliberate Strike “I take my hat off to the miners,” said the Minister in his reply. Coal production had been increased by more than 30,000 tons in the last five months. At the moment there was a strike—a stoppage. It was not a deliberate strike as strikes went. “These are men who in character and workmanship compare with any class of men in any part of the world,” Mr Webb said. “They are as loyal to the country as anybody else. Three of the officers of the union suffered a good deal during the last war, and they feel now that an injustice has been done. “I think they are wrong—hopelessly wrong. Their action is indefensible and not in keeping with unionism or common sense. We have done everything to bring about a satisfactory settlement.” The miners had extended their working hours of their own accord,” Mr Webb added. They rendered a service to the country, as well as risking their lives. “Will you tell us before you finish what you are going to do about the State coal mines?” asked Mr F. W. Doidge (Opposition Tauranga). “That is what the country wants to kn % ow.” Mr Webb replied that Mr Doidge did not represent the country. The Minister’s time expired at this stage.