STATE MINES' MANAGEMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1920, Page 4

STATE MINES' MANAGEMENT.

The now departure which the Government proposes with reference to the management of the State coal mines conforms to the latest ideas of joint con--trol, whereby the workers have a direct voice in the running of the industry. The proposal, so far as it has been outlined at present, appears to be on the right lines, and the experiment is certainly worthy of a trial. The suggested Board of Management consists of t-iie Minister of Mines, a commercial expert appointed by the Government, and a representative of the miners to be elected by ballot every three years. If the Government is content to place absolute, power in the ■hands of such a board, without, the Minister having any power to veto, the scheme should certainly have a fair chance of putting an end to all differences, though it must bo clearly under--1 stood by the miners that they must be loyal to their delegate and abide by the decisions recorded. The principle involved is one that has great possibilities for securing industrial peace, and, if successful in its application to the State mines, may be the forerunner of a general policy in all industries. There is much that may be urged in its favor, though whether it will achieve the desired end must largely depend on the good sense and tactical ability displayed by the members of the board. It is signi-1 Scant that this democratic scheme not only embraces the ordinary conditions | of woTk, but includes siich matters as hpusing, superannuation and insurance against loss from sickness or unemployment. Following directly upon the settlement of the recent dispute, the promulgation of this businesslike proposal indicates that the Government is keenly alive to the desirability of placing the coal industry on a satisfactory basis. Thereby it has set an example to private employers, as well as opened the way to a similar plan being adopted in other enterprises carried on by the State, The importance of the move cannot be over-estimated, and though it may not prove a panacea for all industrial ills, it cannot, if adopted and confidently supported by the men, fail to remove most of the grievances that are inherent to 1-bor It would certainly open up prospects of a fair deal, and if the confidence of the workers is once gained by their having ft voice in management, muen friction may be prevented and 'the men soHle down to the work of production m a spirit consonant with the needs of the period. The Government lias acted wisely in this matter, and it is to be hoped the scheme will be given a fair trial.