STATE CONTROL.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1923, Page 4

STATE CONTROL.

PROTECTION OF MINERS.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER

WELLINGTON, Sep. 17

Certain aspects of the coal production problem in New Zealand, with special reference to the trouble on the West Coast, cropped up at a deputation from the Alliance of Labour which waited on tho Alinister of Labour (Hon G. J. Anderson) this morning. The

deputation consisted of Alessrs AL J. Alack (president of the Alliance and secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway-men). W. T. A oung, J. Adams, and J. Flood (seamen), R. O’Rourke (miners), A. l’arhme (drivers) arid L. Glover (wntersiders). During the discussion it was incidentally suggested by Air O'Rourke that the Government should take over the mines and work them. “ It is no use talking about that,”

answered tho Alinister. Although the Government- had a good agreement with the men working at the State Aline, and the men were working verywell. lie did not think the State could ever hope to manage any industry so well as private enterprise. Under State control length of service had to he taken into consideration as well as ability. As soon as they did that, as soon as ability was left out. State enterprise could never he so successful as privato enterprise*. .Mr O’Kourke askeil ii the Minister could produce figures showing the comparative cost of running the State mine and private mines. The Alinister replied that he dared to sav lie could, but there was verylittle'difference. lie had nothing to say against the men at the State mine. “They have certainly stopped work over silly little things.” continued the Alinister smilingly, “ hut Lord bless mv soul, we have got over that by a little fme and a little prosecution, anti we are getting along very well tust now. I don’t want to say anything that will cause trouble. I do say tins.

tlum'di, if vour men are not satisfied witlT tho Arbitration Court as I see Air O’Rourke is reported as having said, then what about suggestions to give us something else ami let us enquire into it. but we must have something to decide between the two Mr Young: “Give us your original law passed by Mr Relabel* Rectos. The .Minister: I am afraid you arc netting outside arbitration’. Wc cannot get Socialism, and 1 think it would lie a great pity for the world if we ever do. T hope I am dead before Socialism ever comes into force in this country . “ Uav the Lord keen- me from the Arbitration Court,” interjected Mr Young, amidst laughter. “Ttis a question of protection or free trade.” ((alimented Air Alack. “ If protection is a good tiling, let us have pleiitv of it. The Hindu was protected, and seamen and miners wore asking I'm* protection against tno importation of coal and the employment of cheap labour in bringing it here.” . “ I would not give you twopence tor vour chances of getting protection for coal.” replied the .Minister. Mr Alack: "Then why have protection for foot- and Hourl" ” Tim .Minister (to Mr Alack) : “ s'"t would mu advocate that the duty be taken oil hoots.” .

AH- Alack: “ Then, if protection is a good tiling, let US have plenty oi it. If it is not, dispose ol it." The Minister: “Would you seriously suggest that 1 should advise mv_ colleague to remove the protection ol the boot industry ” , , Air Alack: “ No. T think you should seriously advise your colengiu- to impose protection on the coal industiy and the seamen.”

The Alinister: “ Wil you give me a guarantee that flu-re won t an., strikes or go-slow, of- anything of that sort in the coal-mining industry lor the next live years'

Mr Alack: “ I will give you a guarantee that there will he no go-slow m any industry any more than the go-slow outside of industry, that is to say. if there arc more people who arc nut employed in any occupation who are going slow.”

The .Minister: "Von are getting away from the point. Von ate saying, “(live us protection of the coal industry!'” 1 say. give me a guarantee from the Alliance of I.about that thenwill he lm go-slow and no strikes for the next five years, so tar as the men lire concerned, and then I will have something to go unon to argue for the protection of coal.” Mr Mack: “ I will give that guarantee it’ you will guarantee that every man in the country who can he made to work will I.e made to work.” Air I’nrlane: “ In other words, we will give you all the ee.al you want. Mr Alack: “(live us a guarantee that men who are capable ol working will he made to work, and that those who cannot work will lie provided for. and wc will give you a guarantee.” The .Minister: “ I sav that von will have a heller chance cf getting it d you give me ,-t guarantee that there trill he no go-slow or strikes in the coal industry for the next lift' years.’ Mr Alack : “ Tell inf why. if men in the coal industry .*r seamen d-> uni gel some protection, men in the hoot, clothing, or Hour industry should “ A~ou are getting away from the point.” said tin* .Minister. .Mr Alack: " You give me a guarantee' that the men living on the hacks of tho workers will he made' to wor!:. am! wc will gie.- you a guarantee..” Mr Parlane: “The only way the workers can protest is to go-slow or strike.”