STRIKES IN WAR TIME

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3063, 26 April 1917, Page 6

STRIKES IN WAR TIME

, Sir,—l do not think that even my worst enemy could accuse me of being, one of those who are keen to rush into print on any, pretext. , In writing as I am doing now, I wish it to be clearly understood that it is not done inany spirit of criticism, but the question is of .'such importance to us alf that I cannot refrain from expressing my opinion. I refer to the curtailment of the railway service on of the coal strike. Now, at such, a timo as this I do not think a strike should be tolerated for one moment in connection with; any primary industry; I don't profess, to have any special knowledge of the, .existing conditions, but it seems ia me that it should b<? quite simple to fintUout who-are in. the right, employers or employees. It may, of course, be that the question is not one of remuneration. In any case, failure by either party to carry on under fair and reasonable conditione should immediately result in the very strongest steps being taken by the Government to ensure work being resumed without delay. It is an unheard of position that the business of the country should be held up duri'nc war time in such' a way. I am quite 6ure. that if the .Government moves strongly in this matter it will find that the, whole country will support it, •as everyone is affected by the present position. -■ During war time, pending and duriug the discussion of any points, at issue, both parties_in_.such an essential industry as this should be compelled to carry on the work. I understand that coal miners are-exempt from military service.- If this is so, then, they are doubly bound in honour under fair and just conditions to "deliver tho goods."—l am, etc., . G. F. MOORE. Bushy Park, Kai Iwi. [Though the coal strike has now ended we h»v6 thought it desirable to give publicity to our correspondent's views. The principles he lays .down have a wider application than the coal strike.]