An Echo.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 31, 6 October 1911, Page 8

An Echo.

By CHARLES SMITH.

Readers of "The Maoriland Worker" , will remember that something approaching a crisis Avas almost reached last June, in connection with the industrial dispute betAvecn thcV Waihi Miners' Union and the several mining companies in the district. After the scale of wages had been agreed to by the delegates and accepted by the members of tlie Union, a hitch occurred before the agreement was signed. A point Avas raised by the companies re the payment of cngincdrivers, which was ultimately settled. At this time, the matter in question only affected one small company, employing some 12 hands, the Consolidated Company, and Avas only a question of some few shillings per AA'oek, but the master class Avere determined in their attitude to paying the disputed Avages. Seeing that the larger companies Avere not affected, inquiries Avere promptly instituted by the Union officials, which brought to light some very startling neAvs indeed. Armed Avith these proofs, the officials proceeded to" work. It-was seen that the Consolidated Co. were in financial difficulties, yet their attitude" Avas in favour of an industrial upheaval. It was-evident that the company was either being used as a catspaw or AA'as playing a game peculiar to mining sharks. The officials of the Union recognised this, and the game was frustrated, but a large number of unionists thought the Union had done a foolish proceeding. For the time being, tlie wrinkles of industry was smoothed. A feAv Aveeks "ago Mr. Rhodes, the mining magnate, applied, on behalf of the Consolidated Co., for a six months' protection oh the grounds of the unsettled state of the Labor market, shortness of capital, etc. On behalf of the Union, an objection Avas laid to the granting of protection on those grounds, especially as numbers of unemployed miners ivere registered on the Union's book. Mr. MeLennan, vice-president, appeared for the Union, and cross-ex-amined Mr. Rhodes; • In answer to a question as to •■ whether an industrial upheaval would have suited the company during the recent dispute,- Mr. Rhodes admitted that industrial upheavals never suited'any company, but he AA'ould admit that if such had occurred it Avould have been a good excuse for asking the Warden for protection. He also stated that lie would be a bold man who; could say that one could absolutely rely upon the industrial agreement. Does it not look as if the companies, through their mouthpiece, do not attach much importance to agreements consented to by them? A strike at that particular time, according to the ' company's attorney, Avould haA r e suited tho interests of the masters. But strikes must only be participated in in order to better and furI ther the interests of the slaves. Working men must learn that strikes are too serious propositions to indulge in jin order to alloAV the exploiters to further tighten the chains of wage slavi cry. When we strike, let it be for <uttrselves, our wiA r es and children, our class. Workers! ponder well over this; you may be face to . face Avith the same difficulty in your OAvn union ere long, and foreAvarned is forearmed. The master class will use every effort to succeed and hold their oavii position secure, even to the extent of forcing industrial upheavals. Debs said: "The Avorkers have always croAvned their oppressors and crucified their so study your position carefully and keenly in order to avoid (unconsciously perhaps) crucifying your saviours again.