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Hokitika Guardian, 23 November 1929, Page 4

Tin-: coal struggle in New South Wales is reaching a rather desperate pass. The relations have grown acute and dangerous. The coal workers and mine owners have failed to roach an agreement despite all kinds of offers over many months. In roeent years the fall in prices and the loss of niarkels, due to recurring strikes, have crippled

the industry, and a reduction in wages was proposed for Australia as dor Britain. When the employer and employee could not roach an agreement the Premier (Mr Bavini took a hand, and lie lias been negotiating with every desire to bring about a compromise, but without success. Next came tiie threat of the Government to open certain mines at reduced rates, but with a drop in price lor the consumer. This was not acceptable to the miners, who threatened a revolt by way of a wholesale trade union strike if the Govjorninent put on “free .labour.” The Government disposed to stand to its gums, threatened to do so, when the bed-era 1 Government intervened and has called a last niinute conference to endeavour to settle the matter. It has been rumoured that the threat for a universal strike was part or a plan to bring the Federal Labour Government in the picture, and that the Prime Minister has a remedy for the occasion Mr Bavin and liis Ministers continue to express their determination to onen such mines as may

ho required lor the public utilities, and have stayed 'their hand only to await the outcome of the last minute conference. The stage is well set for a definite struggle if Mr Seullin is not able to play a trump card. Air Bavin and his Alinistry have made it plain it is going to stand by its-re-solve, and if the miners' are equally determined and all unions come out, it would appear there will be a fight. Such a Cv/iillict' may, he far-reaching in its effect. The occasion' for the original strike will go by the board, and it, will become a 'question of mob versus constitutional rule, There is agreat responsibility on the State Government, ’ but a greater responsibility would rest upon it if it gave way to the- dictates of those who refuse to. obey the law,"and have rejected and defied the decisions of the arbitration law. The recent Federal contest was fought ami w.n on a desire to retain me Arbitrat on Law intact, but here is an instance where a sections of Labour is prepared to go to any lengths to limit the law they have just voted for. Doubtless if the Federal government is to justify itself it will find a way -to reach a compromise'. The dire situation it has been suggested, has been created at' the direction of Air Theodore, and if that be so, no doubt be lias some way of getting out of the- impasse as at present, without the serious consequences which otherwise are likely. ' r -- ,i