STRIKES.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 7 February 1912, Page 2

STRIKES.

Since this country began to hug the idea that it had succeeded in abolising strikes, much has happened to throw light on the causes of strikes, on their treatment, and ori the right of Labour to the use of what weapon of persuasion. Firstly the Arbitration Act has teen so much weakened that it is in a tottering condition, as is proved by the results of the "Wharf- labourers' conference with their employers, among which results actually is the upsetting of some awards of the Arbitration Court. That Labour, which owes so much to the Act, should have done this, brands labour with the infamous brand of ingratitude, Then as to the causes of strikes, it has been the custom to regard Municipal ownership and state ownership of great inteiests like tramways as a sovereign specific, the management being certain to be more syzaputhetic, But the proceedings of the Wellington Tramway Union have proved that labour has no more respect for a municipal employer than a private one. In his eye both equally objectionable as il employers." The effect must be to depopularise the municipal ownorship and turn back the world's clock. Lastly, the treatment of strikes, which was brought to the front by the interfeienee of the soldiery in the railway and coal strikes of Britain recently, has raised the question of the legality of using such force for the suppression of strikers when they proceed to extremities, General Godley has declared recently unhesitatingly that the Territorials can not be so employed here. Indeed his assurance that no Government would think of such a thing is only another way of saying that no Government that used the force so would be allowed to remain in office in this Dominion, This is truth, solemn truth. But it is just as true that society has a right to protect itself from the unreasoning brutality of the striker. It has the expedient of calling upon the public for support against disorder. The medium is the special constable. When the special appears on the scene it is a sign that the authorities have come to the conclusion that the right of strike has been stretched- beyond the limits allowed by the spirit and practice of the law. So far the upshot of things is that Labour is returning to its belief in the efficacy of the strike. More's the pity! But the strike is not omnipotent.