The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1921. THE COAL CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1921, Page 6

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1921. THE COAL CONFERENCE.

The collapse of the conference held at Wellington between the owners and coal miners relative to the demands of the latter cannot be regarded as a surprise. \After having refused for some time to meet the men, the owners at last consented, but it would seem from the remarks made on Monday by Mr. Reece that the owners entered upon the conference with their minds made up to refuse the miners’ demands, but were prepared to listen to sound arguments in support of those demands, which included a six-hour day, a five-day week, a fortnight’s holiday on full pay, and the abolition of the contract system. According to figures submitted by the Mines Department, Mr. Reece claimed that if these, demands were granted the present high price of coal would be doubled, and that no New Zealand mines could exist under such circumstances against outside competition, therefore the proposals must be refused. From a business point of view, the miners, having made their demands, should have justified them, and the impossible nature, of such a task was evident throughout the conference. Instead, they rii3.de what Mr. Reece described as unjustifiable and unfounded statements as to the conditions existing at the mines. They also tried to show that they were not responsrble“or the great advance in the price of coal, which they claimed was brought about by the excessive cost oftransport, the Union Co. getting 100 per cent, increase on freight, also by interest, depreciation and profits, so that it was up to the owners to show why they could hot afford to give the miners a better share.” What the miners, and Labor generally, .persistently ignore is the operation of the vicious circle whereby the constant demand for higher wages has forced up prices all round, added to which is the enmity of Labor towards Capital, wherewith industries are carried oujMid Jhe

Workers afforded employment. This phase of Labor intolerance was illustrated by Mr. O’Brien’s remark that “it was the people who did not work, but drew money, to whom Labor objected.” What about the other side of the question? Are not the people who finance industrial enterprises • entitled to a fair return for their capital, which in many eases has been acquired by working long hours and*the exercise of thrift? Take all this capital out. of the country, and where would Labor be? Russia has answered that question in no uncertain way as the result of bitter experience, and been forced to reverse its mad policy of killing capital while making slaves of the workers. If the issue were not so serious, ample material for an amusing comedy could be evolved out of the attitude of the miners, who so blatantly proclaim. the gospel of work while, claiming a six-hour day and only a five-day week, with a fortnight’s pay each year for being idle, also the abolition of the contract system, so that they can please themselves as to how little work they do. When, therefore, towards the close of the sitting of the conference on Saturday,, the miners demanded a definite statement as to whether the owners were prepared to grant their demands, they should not have been surprised at the answer given on Monday—a straight-out refusal, the dispute being left in exactly the same position as before the conference met, no counter proposals being made by either side. Practically the conference was a farce, so that no other termination could be expected. By insisting on their preposterous demands, which would ruin the industry, the miners lost a favorable opportunity for securing a settlement. This is matter for regret. Whether they will fight, as Mr. O’Rourke threatened, remains to be seen. They would be far better advised to have the whole question dealt with by an impartial tribunal which would ascertain what would be a fair amount of coal for the miners to get out per day or week, the average cost of production and overhead charges, what would be a fair selling price at the pit or on board the transporting mediumship or rail as the case might be — also the cost of transport, yard charges and handling, the proportion of profit due to the owners, and the price to the consumer. It should not be difficult from, the data thus obtained to fix the hours of work, the rates of pay, and other conditions affecting the miners, as well as ensuring just treatment for the owners. Only by giving a square deal all round can a dispute of this kind be settled satisfactorily, but the miners’ leaders’ aim is evidently to take everything possible and give as little as possible in return. It is about time they were brought to face solid facts, and made to realise that the country is in no mood to submit to further bludgeoning at their hands. They have had their innings, and the public, whom they have injured and inconvenienced in the past few years, will demand to have theirs.