AUCKLAND LABOUR’S PROTEST.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1923, Page 1

AUCKLAND LABOUR’S PROTEST.

AUCKLAND. Sept, 20. At the Trades Hall, a large gathering of trade union and Labour Party representatives, including all the local Labour members, was addressed by Air Holland, ALL’., who detailed the events ■which led up to the present position at the coal mines on the AVest Coast.

The opinion was expressed that the attitude adopted by the coal mine owners was actuated by political rather than industrial motives in an endeavour to discredit the Labour movement generally, in view of the uncertainty of tlie polilieal situation, and the possibility of an early general election. It was further suggested that the way out of the difficulty was for the Government to give immediate effect to the recommendations contained in the Industries’ Committee's report unanimously adopted liv Parliament in ,919, and since shelved. The following resolution was unanimously carried : “This mooting ol representatives of the industrial and political organisations of Labour in Auckland enipliatcially protests against the action of tlie coal mine owners in closing down; the mines oil the M ost Coast, thereby precipitating the possibility ot a coal famine. AYe urge that prosecutions should he immediately instituted against the mine owners who have created the lock-out. AVo further recommend the Labour organisations in the event of a lock-out continuing t * take steps to render financial and other assilance to the locked-ont minors, their wives and families.”