LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1899, 6 November 1913, Page 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

A WIFE & fl MOTHER'S PROTEST. i (To the Editor.) 1 Sir, How long aro we wives and mothers to stand by to sgg our men, who aro not allowed to defend tliemselves, beaten and almost murdered by tho cowardly ruffians who seem to have possession of tho town? We have ample men here'only waiting for orders, and impatient to act, The strike leaders end their following are afraid of the Hiofc Act, and so wish to gull the public into the belief that thoy wish for peace, but all tho time they aro doing their best- to raiso tho devil in their followers. ■ One .thing, if theso miscreants dare to follow out directions in burning tho settlers' homos and stacks, they will find out their mistake. Don't let them think tho settlers have left their homes unprotected! Tlioy will find out their mistake in time. We have tho 'whole 'country at our backs.— I am, etc., A WIFE AND MOTHER, STRIKE SETTLEMENT. (To tho Editor.) Sir,—May I crave space for a few lines of suggestions for a settlement of tho present deplorable strike? Tho great bone of contention at present appears to be tho insistence of the shipping companies on registration of an award of tho Arbitration Court, and tho persistence of tho workers against such a proceeding taking place. It is apparent- that tho workers have real or imagined grievances against this Court as at present constituted, and it is nob my object to discuss theso, but to oifcr tho suggestion .that both sides should agree to leave tho settlement in tho hands of a Royal Commission, to bo appointed by tho House of Representatives now sitting. The verdict of such commission to bo absolutely binding to both sides for tho terms agreed upon. Work to bo resumed at once, and final award to bo retrospective as from tho time work is renewed. The commission to consist of tho Prime Minister, as chairman, .and six members of the 1-louso of Representatives. Such a tribunal would surely be tho acme of "government- of the pcoplo, for the peoplo, by tho people," particularly if it included in its numbers such men as say tho Leader of tho Opposition, the Hons. Hordman and J. A. Millar, Sir W. Buchanan, and Messrs. Veitch and Hindtnarsh. Many other equally good and true moil might sorvo equally well, or bettor perhaps, than those that I have enumerated, and their conclusions would probably bo sufficiently unanimous to avoid tho necessity of'tlfe chair? man's exercising a easting vote. The moment such a course was agreed upon, tho special constables (and their horses), which have been such a beio noise to the workers, could bo disbanded, thanked, and allowed to return to their homes, —I am, etc., E. W. COZENS. !Our correspondent's suggestion would net be likely to servo any good purpose, Tho less the politicians are dragged into tho matter tho better.] STRIKES AND REMEDIES. (To tho Editor.) Sir, —Tho fundamental cause of the present- industrial crisis is indirectly traceable to tho fact that for the past twenty years the Parliament has legislated, to all iutents and purpc ses, sniely for tho labour classes, fiverv time an opportunity occurred I hoy were pampered and bolstered up will! concessions and advantages until lliey ul present appear to imagine they dominate lhe whole commercial and industrial position. In view of their recent actions and attitudes, one is eonsi rained to ask % on several pertinent i questions hearing on the problem. II is admitted that the labourers have the right to work or to ceaso work when they please. But linvo they any legal nnlit to stop or interfere with any other mim outuido thoir unions who goon

peacefully about his own business and works for himself. If a grocer or fruiterer takes his own vehicle to tho wharf, takes delivery of goods consigned to him, and while carting them homo is waylaid and bis trap upset by otlißr people, aro not those other people legally highwaymen and lawbreakers? Do the sinkers expect to gain the sympathy of tlio public by breaking the laws of the country? If so, they must c-xpect employers, industrialists, and farmers to co-operate in their own deionce. What is tho best means of cooperating in defenco of these rights? Simply to encourage, foster, and acquire every possible means and invention that will lessen the number of hands, e-m----,lryed in the transfer and carriage of all classes of,goods. To encourago overy possible labour-saving device. And, above all things, to organise, and keep organised, a body of men in the country and towns who will bo prepared at all times and at short notice to act as special constables and free labourers. If this were done there would bo 110 necessity _ for all tho meetings and speeclimiiking all over the country that has been tho case this and last week, If the labourers can have unions and dominate, tlio industrialists and pastoralists can and should also liave them.—l am. etc., COMMON SENSE. Wnnganui, November 4, 1913. A SMALL FARMER'S POINT OF VIEW. (To tho Editor.) Sir,—Even in tho remotest parts of tlio country tlio events in connection with tho strike are creating the keenest interest, and aro being followed closely. Wo are grateful to Tut; Dominion for tho very full reports given, and tho articles written, the latter being of immense value to those off the scene of trouble in summing up the rights and wrongs of the ease.

As far as this district is concerned tho employers havo tlio •sympathy of 1)0 per cent, of the community, and, rightly so, for the position in the country is becoming extremely acute. Butter factories were just getting into full swing, and the small farmer was about to look forward to one of the best of seasons, Tho prices are right, tho season good, feed plentiful, and stock in excellent condition. Wlmt prospects could be brighter? '• But by the action of the strikers all these promises are; to be spoiled. Butter factories cannot carry oil without an abundant supply of salt, and as all stocks of this commodity are low, the factory managers havo notified suppliers that they will not be in a position to accept delivery of milk and cream if the striko continues. Thus it is the small farnur, and not the run-holder, who will suffer.

Is it to be wondered then that those in the back districts who aro to feel tho real pinch in this deplorable condition of things are willing to rise as one man and proceed to Wellington, to endeavour to restore commerce to its right place? Hundreds of men have gone arid hundreds more will follow should occasion demand.

It is to be regretted that Sir J. Ward dieplayod such poor spirit when he made his now far-famed speech in the House. It is a good thing that wo hui'e in Mr. JLassey a man so broad-minded and solid.

And now a word ro tho clergy and their resolutions. 1 have great respect for llio clergy as a whole, bul, tlieir utterances in Wellington on Sunday lright have! disgusted mo. It is very evident that the strikers havp their sympathy, but how much do ; the clergymen in the City know of the effect- of the striko in the outlying parts of the country. How niucli does it worry the clergyman in the 'City if tlio struggling farmer ib ruined by tho lawless actions of tho strikers? It would be more fitting for men who wish to make public utterances to take a broad-minded view of things, and* ho fully alivo to tho full facts of tho caso before _ making . themselves appear idiotic in the eyes of thoso who can see ahead and around them. Many of the men now in Wellington, acting ■as special policc, aro loyal churchmen. They are a fine body of men, of whom wo aro proud. Does the Church receive any support from the wharf labourer, the paid agitator, and suchlike? Let tho clergymen look at that test again, which reads somowhat as follows;—"As ye would that inen should do unto you, do ye even so to them." Lot them 'remember tho struggling farmer, the backbone al this fan- country of ours, and then quietly consider the probable results of the strikers' actions. There can bo only 0110 conclusion that level-headed men can come to. Trusting I have not taken too much of your valuable space.—l am, etc., COWARDLY TACTICS. (To the Editor.) Sir,—u\ly name enclosed is a guarantee to you that 1 am neither a capitalist nor associated with capital; but for public- information let mo state that I" have been closely associated with strikes and on one occasion wns chairman of a strike committee, which led a successinl strike and considerably increased permanently tho wages of somo thousands of men. To-day I witnessed- something I had never Been befo.ro in any part of tlio world, or in any other striko. I saw curs and cowards throw stones at men from behind. I have seen an angry crowd of strikers face police and special constables, too, but face to fiico, figjtting like men. This afternoon's occurrenco was such as. to make ono ashamed, as I saw not hoodlums only, but wearers of strike badges, take up stories and threw them at tlio mounted specials after they had passed by, and'then scoot under verandahs and back' to cornors. Why don't the strikers face a squaro figh/liko men ? Our constablos were patient 1 under such treatment, but tlra'so who throw etones 1 would soon scurry liko rabbitß if a scoro of the horses had been turned round on thorn, —I am, etc., A.B. THE WAY OUT. (To the Editor.) Sir, —As a man who lias for many years been interested in both farming and industries in Now Zealand, I desire to ask tho Government how . long it is going to permit tho kid-glovo methods to prevail in settling the riots occurring hi Wellington at tlio present time. Is unchecked stoiuMhrowmg and shooting at leisure to continue to bo tlio order of tho day? If.so, hero i'b orto who will organise a band of vigilantes | ti come down and tako part in tho gamo. Let mo give tho putty Government that X lmvo helped to put into power in {.luce of tho vicious ones that preceded it some advico: — (i) Lot tlio police seize at any cost any person using firearms. ifi) Let them see that thoso using the streets proceed in an orderly way to their destination. (3) Arrest every person creating a disturbance. , (4) Lot the American syndicalist importations and tho striko loaders bo promptly dealt , with as they deserve, (o) ll'epeal the Arbitration Act, look, stock, and barrel, and remove from ofiice the useless and highly-paid officials of this institution. * (0) In its place, let the Government fix a minimum wage for every worker with preference to married men or women with families. (7) .Make the word "scab" the most obscure that- fan be used, and arrest any person using it, a most severe penalty to follow. .

(8) firing in » compulsory Saving Act 1o opovate on 'singlo workers reaching a given ago wlio liavo saved nothing. Tko money to bo invostod with tho Qavernmsnt at & (air fata of interest.

(9) Eevisa this franeliiso on these lines. Aiiy person-breaking tlio laws of the country regarding fraud or crime to loso .his voting power for a period. Single men with' no property of any description to exorcise oho vote. Married men with families oivning nothing two votes, also singlo men with £50 or over. Married men with £50 worth or over three votes.

The above would put B premium ,0)1 industry and make the lot of the sob'or living, married worker, who is tlio in,in wo want, bettor. Th.o Arbitration Act in tlio past has piled up tho cost of living by giving tho man with n family of six 0110 man's benefit against increased maintenance on si?:.—l am, etc., BUSH.

THE BROKEN AGREEMENT, (To tho Editor.) Sir, —I think that emphasis lias bcin wrongly attached to tho opinion that the present trouble is the result of the stop-work meeting. This certainly was a. primary cause, but, as you will learu from my remarks, and by inquiry from those concerned, this" offence was really overlooked bv tho employers.. On October 21 Mr. Fnrkuid intimated in Writ iiig to the employers that: • •"I am instructed by meeting held yesterday to give you formal notice that-all our-members are summoned to attend* a 'special stop-work meeting to-morrow, Wednesday morning, lit 8 o'clock, previous to going to . worlc. Members will accept employment at 7.45 to 8 a. in,, for work at- the conclusion of tho meeting. The meeting is called to con- . sider the shipwrights' grievances, and claims, aiid also the reduction of travelling time to Evans Bayyard," ••' « TM# is quite clear—that the men, through their union, broke the agreement, and that fact has been admitted by the officials concerned. Nevertheless, responding to this' invitation, forc'men • -from : employers -attended at 7.45 a.m., but there" was ; - not V-s'ingle response "to the' call for nipn' to go to wssrk at tho conchtsibn' Of tho'meeting. Any reasonable man, atid'cven tho- officials of the union, must admit that • tlipre.,was no obligation on-tho part of employers to rc-ongago tlie nknt who had .ceased work. When a-fresh engagement, in terms of the union's letter, wns made at the conclusion of tho stopwork meeting, the men .Absolutely refused to work unless all of tho men formerly employed at the various jobs were reinstated.' On'numerous -■ occasions men .engaged at a job hav.o. ceased work for tho day at's p.m., and .on resumption of work at 8 a.m. next day have been missing, for tjie reason that tliey have gone to a better job. On complaint being mado to the'union., so far as employers are aware, no action has been takon-by the executive; if so, tlio result lias never boon conveyed to the employers. On tlio other hand, as in this instance, when employers fill the places of those who have . deliberately broken the agreement, there is an uproar.—l am, etc., INTERESTED. TRAOES UNIONISM. • •• (To the Editor.) Sir,—May I occupy a little space in ytlir paper? Wo have in our midst sonio IOUQ or more "special" constables to,'be used as free labourers as liceossary, and who with their horses art being kept and fed by the Gorernnient. Although our food 6upp]y is so limited, tliey caii ship horses: why not discharge to oil cargo? They have been lawless, causing two unnecessary disturbances, and how a.ro such to keep law and order? . Who is responsible for their presence? and is the Union Steam Ship Company paying for their l-eep, may I ask? *.«wt! lim

I quote an unbiased, reliable economist, 'Professor J. >S. Nicholson,' who eays in li-ia "Strikes and Social Probpage 20: —"The primary duty of a Minister of tlio Crown is to keep in cheek the warlike passions of tho nation." Has even our Prime Minister done this?—ho considered fit to bo at the head of affairs—has lio dono his primary duty ? I think not, for the presence of tho constables has tended to arouse, rather tliaii to abato, tlio "warlike passions." 'The history of trades unions shows tho remarkable changes which' combination instead of competition of labour has caused. In IWI trades unions were looked upon as "criminal conspiracies," hut in the course of the last twenty years the opinio l of their valno has changed, "masters having admitted that dealings with Unions aro liioro satisfactory than'dealings with men." To again abstract from Nicholson's "Strikes and. Social Problems," pageß 4243:—"Masters and men must recognise the exte;it of not only tho divergence, biit of tho community of their interests. Their interests under all cir> cuinstanoos aro .not identical, and the extent of-tlio divergence of interests must ho made as clear as possible.' 1 He sums up bv saying: M Th'o ciifective remedy for strikes may he placed under one or tlio other of tlio two following heads: (1) Hecognition of identity of interests; (2) a real grasp of tho difference in dispute, and of tho chances of success in case of conflict. Both ol t'lieso remedies may hp included under r wider'term, ctotcinafton.*'• is writ ing of England, where- conciliation is oft a good basis. I ani stiro that tho pro sent trouble cojild bo' settled by eon ciliation or arbitration, if thoso arbitrators chosen on hotii sides wero men : with' unbiased minds (without interests in companies concerned); well read -in economic principles—not such ono-siued arbitration as has been practised hero in" the past. To conclude, I quote lnrthcr from Nicholson,. page -13: ."Unless masters and men will take all posstblo pains to find out and' to let. ono another lOiow' tho conditions of trade, conflicts must tako plage.; .It .is in Mis way, and in this way >only, that tho Government can bo of real service. " If tho Board of Trade were to collect and publish reliable information on tho stats of different industries much good might be done. Tlio worst of it is that the idea still prevails that everything in 'ho nature- of business must be condi-ted in secrecy. Ihis fear of light and love of darkness will gradually disappear with the real knowledge and real education. . lb thoso taking responsible parts on both sides of the present trouble 'aim to others interested the first -44 pa'gea of this well-written book, "Sti ikes ) and Social Problems," by J.S. ..NieholsQii,. would, perhaps, give enhghlcmnonv ttf some ignorant of econoniio' principles applied to practical problems. Trusting you will publish

[Wo are quite in agreement with our correspondent when lie .yrrges a closer stv.dy of economic conditions. But lio is grossly misleading in tlio earlier part of lii's letter when no meanly attempts to ■ obscuro tho real : issues, and- lay hlaino on tho special constables. Tho rioting and disorder started before thoy canio to ( the City, and but for their presence'.might ere. this liavo led to excesses bosido which the present dis* orders .would pass almost unnoticed. It is an insult' to tho intelligence of thfc community to suggost that tho lawlessness on tlio part of tflio strikers lias prevailed'' lias been justified ill the slightest degree by tlvoir treatment ■ at tlio hands of their' employers or. tlio authorities who are responsible for the upholding of law and .order.]

A further batch of letters condemnatory of the attitude and utterances of the Rey. Brainsby is to hand. They traverse thb samo ground in different ways, nil protesting against his remarks as mischievous and misleading. Tho men employed at Mr; Rose s mill at Foxton have, after consultation, decided to .resume work. For Bronchial Coughs and Colds, ■ iWoode' Groat Peppermint Cure, Is. Od* • 7.)