WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1917, Page 3

WELLING TON TOPICS.

War Regulations Thß Shoe Pinches (Oar Special Correspondent.) Wellington, April 4 The local newepapers, in spite of being continually pestered by peremptory demands from the Chief of Staff to do this thing and to leave undore that, have been giving moat loyal and unquestioning support to the military authorities in their efforts to obtain a proper observance of the War Regulations, and it certainly was rather hard upon them, considering all the circumstances, to be haled before a magistrate to answer for their own tiny deflection from the straight and

narrow way in mentioning the fact that the officers and meu of a coitun warship were to be entertained iD the Wellington Town Hall by His Worship the Mayor. * But they are obtaining only the poor consolation of a general public laugh in turning upon the authorities now with charges of crass stupidity and base ingratitude and in threatening to join with Mr Semple ia challenging the validity of the Regulations. It is a case in whioh the saving grace of humour would have served their purpose much better than has an affectation of righteous indignation, WATERSIDE WORKERS The lengthy conference between re-

freaentatives of the Wateiside Workers’ Federation and representatives of the ship-owners at last has terminated in an agreement between the parties which is to be submitted to the local unions for ratification- The reptesentatives of the worker* have no doubt the agreement, though it doss not contain all the men were seeking, will prove acceptable to the men, and the representatives of the shipowners who, of course, have been in constant enmmunioation with their principale, , are equally confident its terms will be confirmed by the employers. Many delicate points were discussed during the progress ox the negotiations and in the early stages of the aonferenoe grava difficulties appeared to be looming ahead, but concession from both sides ana a proper conciliatory spirit overcame all the difficulties and tbe agreement ought to iovax the baan of a long enduring peace between the parties.

“ GOING SLOW,” The arrests on the West Coast of the South Island and at Huntly in connection with what ia known as the “ slow strike ” came as a surprise to moat of the workers here, and to most other people for the matter of that, but very little sympathy is being felt for the men on whom the authorities have laid their heavy baud. Labour, sane Labour, that is, frankly admits it ia not being treated “ eo badly ” in those strenuous times and it has no desire to cteate unnecessary industrial tiouble. Going glow, flagran'ly going slow at any rate, is not a form of prompt that finds savour with the average New Zealand worker, and even his representative on the water-front, who does not always side with constituted authority, has nq approval for the attempts that have been made by some of the miners to limit the output of coal.

MEETING OP PARLIAMENT. It ia now being taken for granted that neither Mr Massey nor Sir Joseph Ward will be here for the meeting of Parliament at ihe end of June and that the House, after making provision for supply and attending to one or two other matters of minor importance, will adjourn to await the arrival of the travellers. It is not thought the legislation in connection with the war loan announced by the Hon A. M. Myers the other day will be introduced in the absence of the Minister of Finance, but there will be no delay in the flotation on his return and it. is expected by financiers and business men that tbo amonnt requirod will be readily subscribed. There ia plenty of money in the country and its holders can find few better investments than the one to which they will be invited by the Government