Mining Troubles.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1922, Page 4

Mining Troubles.

MR REECE ON LABOUR UNREST.

WELLINGTON, Feb 2. ' The unrest more or leas always preyalent in the coal-mining industry was deplored by Mr W. Reece in the course bf his presidential address at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Coal mine Owners’ Association. Mr Reece .said it was,, the desire of those concerned in the industry to meet all fair and reasonable claims on the part of the miners. It had. been found ejn practice, especially of late years, that it was impossible to formulate any agreement which could be; considered as unalterable for a certain . period. The reason for this was not far to seek. It 'was found in the clear pronouncement of the executive of the Miners’ Federation that no concessions were considered 1 by them as more ■ than for the .passing moment, that they had only one .objective, which was to dispossess those 'at present in charge of Fie industry and take control themselves. Of course this was part of the programme of the disciples of Karl Marx, whose most prominent prophets. Tenin and Trotsky had not so far demonstrated the success of this particular millennial process. “I cannot help thinking that those at present representing what may he balled the Communistic wing of the Labour Party are working on lines not aceeptablo tb this country generally, stated Mr Reece. “Most people would carry a torch in a procession to demand the rights of the people as a whole hut this is a democratic community. The attempt to foster class consciousness will not tend to enhance the position of the worker. As one who has worked tc the extent of his capacity, and T hope not always selfishly, as one who has studied revolutions and past attempt? to work under Socialism, I cannot find much improvement upon the systeir of government possessed by the peopTe of New Zealand. I would rather work for a single employer than be policed by a commune. I have great faith in tH c working men of this country. I believe it would be the wish of the majority of them to save New Zealand from hue spread of doctrines which are pernicious to the true interests of Labour, as they are destructive of all progress and ultimately all hope. Nothing would he more fatal than an attempt to reconstruct society from the foundations. Tf my reliance on the moderation and commonsense of New Zealanders is truly based then, whatever obtains in other lands, wo will follow our) course, endeavouring to ercaf© a nation where the various sections of the community may ndujst their differences in an equitable mauue rand live in peace and prosperitv.”