Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 3 August 1931, Page 4

Natl-Hama- there is a good deal of concern in different quarters, and particularly those localities specially affected, regarding the importation of coal from Newcastle. The effect is being demonstrated at present by a shortage of orders in quarters resulting in some mines threatening to close down. The situation has been ventilated in Parliament where the Prime Minister in his usual frank manner explained the difficulties of the position. The trouble was brought about by the coal miners themselves, whose action

was so uncertain. Stoppages were frequent and often for causes which did not warrant such extreme action. It has to he recalled also, that rmior to the decision of the Arbitration Court on the wages reduction issue, there was much loose talk about a tliieateiud strike to resist any reduction made. This naturallv alarmed those controlling large industrial or public 'services affecting production and utilities and there was no saying where an organised strike might pud. Not. onlv might the producers of the coal he affected, but transport conditions generally, and such a complete hold-no was too serious to contemplate without some preparation for the posh’ 4 #ties of the situation. This was the outlook when orders were placed for coal in Australia. and the upshot is that the situation has now reacted on the coal miners. All’ Forbes said the matter of restoring confidence in the workers, rested with the miners themselves. Tf there was the assurance of steady production of' coal, there would not he the need and not the desire to 20 outside for the commodity, Businessmen are alive to the advantage of maintaining production within the Dominion to the fullest extent, and if the confidence of those directing large industrial works consuming coal supplies is to he secured there must he practical steps on the part of the workers if the New Zealand market is to he made the most of. This does not nonpar to he asking more than is justified and. with the outlook for the c'umtrv at. this juncture, it would he well indeed, wore hi hour to settle flown genuinely, to work and production as the surest method to bring hack prosperity for all.