THE "GO-SLOW" POLICY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 298, 12 September 1919, Page 8

THE "GO-SLOW" POLICY

DECISIONS OF COAL MINE OWNERS

MINES TO CARRY ON

PRICE OF COAL TO BE INCREASED

Tho secretary of tin) Now Zealand Coal Mino Owners' Association (Mr, W. Pryor) has forwarded to tho Priino Ministe/ tlio following letter: — Eight Hon. W. F. Massey, P. 0., • Prima Minister, Wellington.

Sir,I am instructed to inform you that u meeting of tho Now Zealand Coal Mino Owners' Association was hold in Wellington yesterday to consider tho proposal that a further conference should ho agreed to with the representatives of the Minors' Federation, and also as to what action Bhould bo taken with regard to tho "go-slow" policy which has been adopted in practically the whole of the coal mines of tho Dominion.

In connection with theso matters tho following resolutions were adopted :— 1. Suggested further _ conference: "That this association is of opinion that it is inadvisable to hold a further conference with the Miners' Federation."

2. Action re "go-slow" policy: "That whilst deploring the action of the miners'of Now Zealand in adopt-, ing a 'go-slow' policy by which the output of coal throughout the Dominion has been reduced-by about one-third., and the financial returns of tho several companies seriously affected, this association is of opinion it will be in tho best interests of-the country to teop tho mines open for work rather than to close down, and to increase the price of coal to such un amount as will enable each mine to carry on." With regard to tho above resolutions, it is desired that I should point out that the coal mino owners have gone us far a? they possibly can in _ the" way of making 'concessions to the miners, especially as any extra cost must be passed on to tho 'general public. That being the'case, the responsibility of any extra cost entailed as the result of tho adoption of the "go-slow" policy must be accepted by those, who are responsible for its being put into operation.' .

It is hoped' that the conclusions arrived at will meet the approval of Government, and that the adoption of constitutional 1 methods of settling disputes of. this kind as-against the principle of direct action rfl be supported by • the Government and Parliament of this Dominion.