The Daily News. THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1920. THE COAL MINERS' AGREEMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 March 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1920. THE COAL MINERS' AGREEMENT.

Until the Minera' Unions had ratified the terms of settlement arrived by the Conference over which Mr. Massey presided, it was an open question whether at the last moment, as has occurred in other cases, the men would decline to be bound by the decisiou of their representatives at the conference. Any fears on this point have been set at rest by the ratification of the terms, and when these terms are studied it is evident they are of a liberal nature. The agreement is intended to remain in force for twelve months, but no reliance can lie ;i' 'eed on its being in operation for oven that short space of time, as industrial agreements only last just as long as the workers —or, at least, certain sections of them —are willing to abide, by them. At all events, it is a welcome relief to know that for the time being the coal cut is ended and that the miners have obtained concessions which should induce them to work with a will, and thus ensure the output of sufficient coal to meet all requirements. The summer is on the wane, and winter is approaching, hence the vital importance of ample coal for domestic as well as for transport and other industrial purposes. The main point Avhicli concerns the public is the supply, and if this is satisfactory the increased cost will be faced with equanimity. The miners have obI tained under the new agreement considerable increases in pay, the contract workers receiving double the rate hitherto paid and fifteen per cent, more than the employers offered, while the wage men have secured similar advances. The most satisfactory part of the agreement is that the contract system is -to be continued and not thrown out as the men demanded. Other demands that have been abandoned

are those which would have greatly reduced the working hours and increased the holidays, so it will be seen the efforts of the conference were equally directed to the question of output as to that of wages. Under the new conditions there should be a notable increase in the quantity of coal placed on the market. The shortage has inflicted great inconvenience and ■ hardship on the community. It is to be hoped that phase has ended, and it may be taken for granted that the appreciable increase in the cost consequent on the higher pay of the miners will tend to the exercise of economy on the part of the consumers. It is impossible to conceive that the men ever hoped to obtain the extravagant demands they made, and the fact that they have been awarded most liberal terms and concessions should stimulate them to give of their best in relation to the output of the future. Their attitude during the past six months has been anything but sportsmanlike, and to a great extent alienated public sympathy. A' new era has been opened up for them in which they possess manifest advantages. Practically all the grievances they complained of are remedied, and if others arise provision is made for dealing with them by means of the Disputes Committee. It would seem that the only danger in the future of a further conflict between the owners and the miners will be the exploitation of the public by the former, but if the Government limits the profits of the owners to a reasonable amount there, is every reason why peace and harmony should reign in the coal industry throughout the Dominion, as the agreement is to operate generally. Although the public will certainly have to pay dearly for this peace, it is worth the price to be relieved of the anxiety over supplies. Those who will- feel the pinch most will be workers in other spheres of industry.