The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1908. THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2148, 25 March 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1908. THE BLACKBALL STRIKE.

The present stago of the dispute between the proprietors of the Blackball mine and the workers has again raised the issue of the relationships that are to exist in this country between labor and capital. In most countries, the two interests aro frankly hostile, and warfare more or less open is all the time being carried oh to the great detriment of indusitry. In New Zealand the people determined, after the disastrous maritime strike which temporarily paralysed our shipping, that some means should be adopted which would prevent the recurrence of similar catastrophes. Then followed the Conciliation Act, which provided for the setting lip of Conciliation Boards, but tho absence of any authority to compel parties to a dispute to accept the offices of the Boards, robbed them of most of their power. Next came an amendment by which the Arbitration Courts were armed with full power to make and to enforce awards. For a decade this system worked admirably, and although employers in many cases railed bitterly against the disposition of the Court to almost always grant The workmen higher wages and improved conditions generally, and frequently endeavored to evade its conditions, the system as a whole worked well. The greatest proof of its success is the fact that for a very lengthy period after its enactment there was not a single strike in the Dominion, and the various industries were allowed to make steady progress, with no fear of industrial disturbances. Latterly, however, tliero has been a disposition on the part of somo of tho workers to challenge the system. Last year tho slaughtermen’s strike furnished tho first notable instance, and now we have tho Blackball minors taking similar action. Last year the Government earned the hearty support of tho public by its firmness in supporting the Arbitration Court, and it is to bo hoped that such a course will be followed on the present occasion. It is generally admitted that the men havo been led away by a few noisy agitators, who have persuaded tho workers that under no considerations should they make terms with their employers. Therefore tho men protest wildly against the Arbitration Court as at present constituted, and make, all sorts of unworthy suggestions, but it is hard to see what could satisfy them in this respect. The Union representative on the Court, Air. J. McCullough, could bo depended upon to see that tho men’s interests wero thoroughly safeguarded, and the fact- that the finding of tlio Court was unanimous indicates tho weakness of the miners’ case. After all, the award was only what nino out of every ten men who had followed the case anticipated would bo given. However, it is evident that the miners had at tho instigation of their leaders thoroughly made up their minds that they would not be satisfied however the decision went. Now they have shown their true position by openly refusing to pay tho line and defying the Court. In taking this action they will most certainly have alienated any sympathy they "might otherwise have received. If they were dissatisfied with the personnel of the Court, or the system itself, there were constitutional ways in which their wishes could have been given effect to. Past experience has shown that the labor influence is very strong in tho N.Z. Parliament and they would have liad little trouble ill netting any reasonable amendment through Parliament. Instead, they have chosen to defy the Act, and must be prepared to accept the consequences. A breach of an Arbitration award is like the infraction o ~„y other law, and the people would never tolerate ids defiance. The men must obey the award and pay t'lieir fines, or imprisonment must surely conic. Such, action would seem pitiably hard, but the men have given no choice. They have not been eontent to simply light out their own iKiUle, but they have endeavored to „ e t the whole body of unionist workers to stand by them. They arc* really engaged ill a desperate attempt to break down the Arbitration system, and if successful, would strike a deadly blow at the industrial progress of the Dominion. Under tho circumstances, the Government lias a 1 plain duty to perform, and that is to promptly vindicate the law which is at nr esc nt being defied. Any .delay will" seriously prejudice the reputation of the present Government as administrators.