Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1923, Page 2

It is not- clear yet whether the present trouble in the coal mining industry is going to resolve itself into another of those foolish trials of strength between capital and labor; or perhaps wo should sav between labor and capital, seeing that it is the former which has caused the hold-up of the industry. In these columns recently there was published a manifesto by the Australian labor party, indicating their views ou capitalism, and it may be tliat the New Zealand confreres have like beliefs, and are disposed to set about a trial of strength in regard to the matter/ A trial of strength on such an issue, will be as futile as it is undesirable. The indispensible connection between capital and lalnjur should be apparent to all. It is tho ready argument of the labor agitator that because there are poverty, want, and unemployment in tlie world, capitalism must bo responsible, necessarily. Mr Holland, the parliamentary leader of the Labor Party, considers that tho present position is the result of the failure of private ownership, that is, of capita] ism. But he ignores obviously the fact that private ownership is prepared to go on employing labor under legally constituted conditions, if labor on its part, did the fair thing in regard to the amount of work performed ‘for the pay fixed by the accredited tribunal,

The answer to the alleged failure of private ownership, is that under ordinary conditions, capitalism since its inception, has done the world’s work. Tho payment for work performed rests on an equitable return for that work. It has to be an economic return, whether the work is performed under capitalism, socialism or communism. It matters very little what the system may lie, there must lie always an honest day’s work for a fair day’s payment, or the system must break down. It is that result which has brought about the present position in the coalmines owned privately. The work given in return for the payment was not adequate, and the owners declare they are conducting their business at a loss. In self-de-fence they close down. Of late years a weakness has grown lip in the social system appertaining to labor. But the abolition of capitalism would not removo that weakness. Rather would it add to the economic difficulties, of tho country and of communities, if socialism or communism took the place of capitalism. There has got to be a return for the payment, or any system will break down. It is not the mere system wnich is the success, but the sane working of the system which counts for the success of the system.

’i iik communistic experiment has been tiied with very disastrous effects in Russia. Advanced socialism has failed also. Tho best' results for economic progress have been derived from legitimate operations under private ownership. Really they are the most favohfable for labor, If So recognised, for there is not a surer avenue for expanding enterprise than through tho medium of the man, or association of men, ready to venture into trade or industry. Competition is the life of trade, we are told, and the wider the field ol employment, the better it must lie lor me working mint. Tiki World at no time lias produced: a system which wll make it possible to provide peace and plenty lor all. History and experience reveal that result. Rut whatever the system, there me two parties involved the worker and the one who pays, be lie the capitalist or the State, and il the labourer takes for this work more than lie earns or produces in value, lie will bring the system about his oars, and be out of employment. Capital and labor, working in unity, and with a. common purpose, can give the best all-round results, and the safest returns for the employment of tho country ns for the wealth production of a com m'u nity.