The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1929 THE AUSTRALIAN SITUATION

Hokitika Guardian, 18 December 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1929 THE AUSTRALIAN SITUATION

Ttri’, situation arising out of the coal crisis developed dramatically, and tragedy has ensued. Premie] 1 Bavin, after frequent warnings as to his attitude ,carried out the policy which his (Government decided upon for the States’ good. The recalcitrant miners were equally determined not to accept the terms offered nor to allow free labour to take their place. The clash was inevitable so long as the two parties held to their decisions. The (Government is naturally in the stronger and more secure position. Jt has a duty now that matters have gone so far, to uphold law and order and it was in pursuit of that duty seeing that the miners refused arbitration or the compromise of the confeienee, to maintain the authority of the ruling Governiyent. That was defied openly, by the striking element, even after mattes were in train for an honourable settlement, and the State Government must perforce stand to its task or give way to the law-breakers. The plight of Australia at this season of the year is deplorable, but the conditions have recurred all too frequently. There is evidence over and over again of the desire for mob rule. A stand was necessary, and it has fallen to the lot of the Bavin Ministry to assert the constitutional authority. Tt is not unlikely that the miners were encouraged by the recent Federal poll which sent Labour into power by so complete a majority;. And that majority was won in part no doubt by the promise to reopen the coal mines quickly. Time lias passed and has emphasised the fact that the Seullin Government could not re-open the. mines quickly by any rough and ready methods of its own. Mr Seullin realised the position, and was forced to declare that whatever he did would not he done unconstitutionally. That, was of course a sound policy of well ordered Government, and was applauded as such Air Seullin since the shooting has taken place has endeavoured to re-open the position at a further' conference, but Air Bavin having put his. hand to the plough niter many delays, has refused to confer further. Tt is altogether regrettable that the 'Extremists in the Labour organisation were too strong for the Aloderates who were agreeable to accept the compromise reached a.t the last conference. All over the State, and especially at Newcastle, there were great rejoicings that the delegates had

come to terms. Over two millions had been lost in wages, yet despite this the

terms of the delegates when put before the miners’ lodges were rejected by largo majorities—the delegates even being hooted and howled down. Then there was the threat of the general striae, which perhaps more than any other spurred the Government to action. A general strike meant an open revolt, and if the Government backed down to such a threat it meant all respect for the laws in the future, unless it please’d the extreme organisations, was gone. Matters drifted to a very dangerous outlook, and the New South Wales Ministry was forced to take a definite stand. The industrial position in Australia is such that the Federal Government has just voted a million for the relief of unemployed. To talk of a general strike in the face of that revelation is to encourage a Labour policy inimical to the national well-being, ft is a suicidal step. The latest accounts yesterday indicated that matters were quieter. The affray with revolvers has been fatally serious and wiser counsels might ensue. The fallacy of adopting the course pursued by the miners must now be apparent, and better judgment should be possible. The Government has a thankless and difficult task, but it is of paramount importance as even Air Scull in has recognised that constitutional authority must be maintained and to that end the Government has thought well’to defy the rioters.