THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1947. THE BEER BOYCOTT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26630, 28 November 1947, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1947. THE BEER BOYCOTT

For nearly two months now certain West Coast trade unions have been providing the people of New Zealand with a remarkable demonstration of misapplied zeal—which is no doubt described as “working class solidarity ” —by carrying out a boycott against the recent increase in the price of beer. At first the boycott was the subject of mostly humorous comment, but recent developments have made it clear that this movement is far from being amusing. It represents an interference with private liberties which would not be tolerated from any other authority. If the protest was sincerely organised against the increased cost of living, it might have some justification; but after so many increases in the prices of essential commodities have been accepted, it betrays a complete lack of a sense of proportion that the full power of militant unionism should be brought into action for a reason so trivial. A man who objects to the price of any article may make a public protest if he wishes and he can emphasise it by refusing to buy the article, but it is intolerable that such a matter should be taken up by trade union officials on a national basis and the article in question placed under a solemn ban which cannot be infringed without victimisation and restraint of trade.

On Monday of this week two workers employed at different mines were called to account by the mine workers and accused of having broken the boycott. They admitted the “ offence ” and were requested to leave their work. They refused and in protest the faithful unionists put on their coats and went home for the day. Two mines were rendered idle and the production of some 600 tons of coal was lost to the country. The loss of this output at such a time and for such a reason cannot but arouse indignation, but the most serious aspect of the incidents is that two men have been virtually deprived of their livelihood. Following upon this contemptible action comes the announcement that the boycott is receiving the official attention of national unionism, with a proposal to control supplies of beer to the West Coast which represents a challenge to industrial freedom—and to' the Government of this country. The position reveals a deplorable attitude of mind and one which is pregnant with the threat of future industrial and social disorder. It is evidence of a blind, intolerant prejudice which is entirely out of keeping with the ideal of a democratic way of living which i£ still cherished in this country. The workers of the West Coast and those in what should be responsible positions who are disposed to support them are making a serious mistake which * will damage their reputation throughout New Zealand if they continue to permit extremists in their midst to dragoon them in such a fashion. The beer boycott commenced in something of a comic atmosphere; it is now revealed as symptomatic of a cancerous growth in the body of trade unionism.