NOTES OF THE DAY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1442, 17 May 1912, Page 6

NOTES OF THE DAY.

It is not surprising to find strong resentment being shown at the action of the Labour Federation in seeking to carry on its campaign of labour terrorism at the public expense. The attitude of the Chairman of the Auckland Employers' Association, Mr. Goldie, in announcing the readiness of the employers to assist the unfortunate men and their families, the victims of the Labour Federation's determination fro close down the mines at Waihi, will meet with very general approval, but what is the United Labour party doing to protect its fellow unionists? Is it in sympathy with the extremists of the Labour Federation ? Does it approve the reckless disregard for the welfare of tho people of Waihi shown by tho Labour Federation; the utter lack of consideration for the unfortunate sharcuolders in the mines affected, who are quite innocent of any injury to the Federation or indeed of any cause of disagreement? What steps are the ijnited Labour party going to take to defend the trades unionists so viciously attacked by the Federation of Labour? Tho Minister for Labour apparently is quite unconeern'ed regarding the very serious situation. In the course of an interview at Christchurch Mr. Laurenson said he was making inquiries and that he was not at all anxious on the score of arranging a settlement which he thought it was quite possible to effect. If Mr. Laurenson happened to live in Waihi, or happened to bo a shareholder in one of the mines affected, or a member of the Engine-drivers' Union with a family to support, or indeed anybody but Mr. Lamenson, he would probably be very anxious indeed about the perfectly preposterous behaviour of the Federation of Labour. The latest news available 'makes it very clear that those who have precipitated the strike have succeeded in creating the impression that they are determined to go to any lengths to gain their ends. There is talk of the coal miners joining'in to the extent of refusing to continue working if coal is supplied to the gold mining companies affected by the strike. It is well known that the Federation of Labour has aimed to secure control of the labour employed in transport and in coal production with a view to enforcing their demands in any given direction by cutting oit supplies. _ Tho recent visit of one of their emissaries to Australia was said r.o be made with the object of securing the cooperation of the coal miners and waterside workers of the Commonwealth in any general movement which might be decided on. Now is their opportunity to test their organisation. The public, we have, not the least doubt, is quite ready' to take up their challenge, and the result, we are equally confident, will be the same as that which followed in the case of the Brisbane tramway strike. There will be hardships and suffering for the men and their families and for many imiocent persons besides, but it is preferable that there should be a fight to the finish rather than that the country should submit to be terrorised at the will and live under the despotic rule of the reckless and irresponsible- mis-chief-makers who head the Federation of Labour.

Yesterday's Gazette contains the full details of the public accounts for the year ended March 31 last. Most of tho principal items were announced by the Prime Minister some little time ago. It will be noted by the observant reader that on the expenditure side there was a very marked increase both in the permanent and in the annual appropriations. The figures are as follow : 1910-11 1911-12 Increase £ £ £ Permanent appropriations 3,042,849 S,BBG,fiIB 243,709 Annual appropriations ... 5,700,25G 6,453,750 753,491 Totals ... 9,343,105 10,310,303 997,203 This very large increase in expenditure for the year is accounted for mainly by the increased interest bill, working railways account, defence, education, and internal affairs; but nearly all the . Departments show an increased expenditure. The outgoing Ministry depleted the Public Works Fund with great thoroughness. At the beginning of the last financial year the Public Works Fund had a credit balance of £).,H0,040. This the Ward Government managed to bringdown to £82,580 which is the amount the current financial year opßnsd with. No doubt, g grind miny. [ people will ari'ivo at tbe eoaclufiioa,

that tin; election of Inst year had a good deal to do with tlie exhausted condition of the Public Works Fund.

Tub fine of £G0 imposed by Mn. Justice Shi on the Builders' and Contractors' and General Labourers' Union for instigating and inciting a strike of its members engaged on the drainage works in Auckland is of less moment than his Honour's remarks in another case before him in which no fine was imposed. This second action was against the Waterside Workers' Union and arose out 'of a strike of unionists employed discharging the cargo of the steamer Paparoa. It seems that there was no doubt at all that the { .secretary of the Waterside Workers' Union aided and abetted the men on strike, but there was no evidence to show that he was acting under instructions from the union. In the circumstances the union could not be held responsible for its servants' actions. But, as his Honour pointed out. it is difficult to understand why action was not taken against the secretary. The law specially provides that the individual can be proceeded against and where there is plain proof of a breach of the law by the individual thero is no reason or excuse why those responsible should neglect to do their duty and prosecute. "The course adopted," commented his honour, "rather suggests that the object fin the case under review] was to make a brave show of enforcing the law and at the same time not to incur much risk of hurting anyone." If this wens an isolated case_ the remarks of Mn. Justice Sim might appear a little severe. But the Labour Department, or whoever is responsible for the proceedings in such cases, has all along displayed a quite remarkable reluctance to give effect to thu law against those inciting or abetting strikers, and it was quite timo that some comment was passed on the subject. No doubt the President of the Court will bring down on himself a further outburst of abuse for his outspokenness, but he has done a real public service in directing attention to the manner in which the law is trifled with in order to bolster up the farce of compulsory arbitration.