THE GAS STRIKE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3143, 28 July 1917, Page 2

THE GAS STRIKE

) Sir,—Now that this case is 6i>ttled I suppose the pqiblic may express its opinion of the farce of the prosecution and verdict. ■ The facts show that these n:en were well treated and had no grievance, but in order to bring the most severe 'pressure- on their employers, to erploit 'them for more money, they did not- hesitate, to put a large 'city to the Umost inconvenience, and in many cases fitriouß lo&s. Tho verdict, is a. mero farce, for since our Magistrate's Court hais laid down tho principle that a man who admits his income to be JBSOO per annum need-not pay for the food he eats, there is certainly no means of enforcing the fine on these strikers. Probably it is not intended to enforce it, owinfr to the employers' fear of> a general strike. This bogey has been put before us for the last twenty years, and | is a most effectual whip of the workmen to coerce their masters. Surely it is time to face tho music and let us have this general strike, so that wo may know onoe for all where we and whether the countiy is to bo t'.nally handed over to the tender mercies of what in my young days was always referred to us "the great unwashed." I think myself it wouild be to the ■ultimate interests of the employ org to bring bucli a striko about, although perhaps the present time may not be opportune owing to the war. I took a very active part in the 6triko of 1899, and learned enough lo know that if the employers could bo as loyal to each ether fcs the men are to themselves the Übour unrest which now paralyses • industry could easily be overcome.—l am, etc., H.W.