WELLINGTON NOTES

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1920, Page 4

WELLINGTON NOTES

(Our Special Correspondent). THE COAL CONFERENCE. A SATISFACTORY SETTLEMENT. WELLINGTON, February 23. There have been so many slips between the cup and tho lip in the negotiations that have been going on intermittently between the coal mine owners and the miners during the last six or seven months that one hesitates to say definitely they have settled* their differences on a satisfactory and an abiding basis. But the announcementmade on Saturday to the effect that a satisfactory agreement between the delegates had -been reached'is -confirmed to-day, and it now only remains for the unions to endorse the action of their representatives. That they will do this there appears to lie little doubt most of the men being thoroughly weary of the “go-slow” policy 'and all the ineffective sacrifices on their part it- has entailed. The terms of the settlement will not be made public for a day or two, but it i s certain they pro. vide for better pay and conditions for the men and for a more reliable service for the employers. RUBRIC OPINION.

The Wellington public probably has suffered more severely than that of any other centre from the coal shortage and naturally it is delighted by the prospect of an early return to normal conditions. The “Dominion” this morning presents the moral of the story with a very proper conception of its significance. “The merits of the case,” it says, “are so clearly drawn that the common sense of those who have been most inclined hitherto "to indulge in industrial strife ought to impel them toz adopt a more rational procedure. After their late experience mine workers are particularly well placed to pervve that industry and a reasonable spirit of co-operation are the real key to prosperity and improving conditions.” It must be recognised, however, that the blame for the recent dislocation of the mining industry does not lie entirely on the shoulders of the men and that to ensure permanent peace the promised improved conditions must be full realised. THE END OF THE WAR.

The cablegram received by the Prime Minister stating that the Imperial Government lias! decided that January 10th last is -to bo regarded as the date on which the war with Germany terminated has occasioned some little stir here. A good deal of New Zealand legislation and many private agreements and contracts depending upon the duration of the war never contemplated that a retrospective date would be, fixed and in view of the determination of the Imperial a-ufherities the operation of some of the legislation, and of many of the private agreements and contracts is made uncertain. The Gazette notice required to make the date effective in the Dominion has not yet been issued and it is understood the Crown law officers are conferring as to what steps must lie taken to bring the determination of the Imperial an. thoritios into conformity with the conditions prevailing here. It is not certain that a more Order-in-Council will overcome the difficulty. (The Gazette notice has since been published.) ROYAL RACE MEETING.

It looks at the moment as if the race meetings to be held in honour of the Prince of Wales were going to cause some heart-burnings throughout the country. The Westpoi-t Racing Club is protesting against a license for the use of the totalisator at any of royal meetings being issued till the license of which it was “robbed” in order to hold the Jellicoe trotting mooting at Addington is restored, and Dr Thacker, Mayor and member of Parliament, is calling out against gnilop'n g being given the preference over trotting in the entertainment of the royal guest at Christcureh. Wellington also has its grievance. Permits are to he given to Auckland and Canterbury to hold race meetings, but none to Wellington, and the capital city refuses to he comforted by any of the soft phrases of the. Minister of Internal Affairs. Westport already has sought i relief for its feelings in an indignation meeting and it seems not unlikely Wellington will foPlow suit.