Huntly

Maoriland Worker, Volume 3, Issue 90, 6 December 1912, Page 4

Huntly

Since our Huntly letter was received news has been telegraphed broadcast of the fixing-up of an agreement between tho new "union" and the Taupiri Coal Co. It is stated that the agreement is to be registered under the C. and A. Act and filed in the Supreme Court. It is for three years, provides that "future employees shall join the union within one week of their employment by the company," and others must join after being giveu 14 days' notice. The union covenants that it will not attempt to cancel its registration under tho C. and A. Act nor aid and abet any strike.

It is an amazing agreement, adjusted beautifully to suit the bosses and giving in return a bit of a bribe to the bosses' pets. These latter are not a tenth (even the Press Association admits not a fifth) of the men employed, yet tho beautiful arbitration system enables the wasters "to absolutely defy the majority. Perhaps this is why some people are so fond of proclaiming that minorities aro always right.

Cynical as we are towards what is called Law it will astound us if an agreement can legally absolutely nullify the law which permits cancellation of registration under the C. and A. Act. Is the Taupiri Coal Co. with its blacklegs to be permitted by Parliament/ to supersede it ? Where does political action come ill; and the political actionists? The company has also a notice at the mines threatening with dismissal any man heard breathing the word "scab." Developments will be awaited with interest.