UNREST AMONG MINERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 February 1922, Page 7

UNREST AMONG MINERS.

WORK OF EXTREMISTS. •“PERNICIOUS DOCTRINES.” The unrest more or less always prevalent in the coal-mining industry was deplored by s Mr. W. Reece in the course of his presidential address at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Coal-mine Owners’ Association last week. Mr. Reece said it was the desire of those concerned in the industry to meet all fair and reasonable claims on the part of the miners. It had -been found in practice, especially of late years, that it was impossible to formulate any agreement which could be considered as unalterable for a certain period. The reason for this was not far to seek. It was found in a clear pronouncement by the executive of the Miners’ Federation that no concessions were considered by them as more than a passing moment, and that they had only one objective, which was to dispossess those at present in charge of the industry and take control themselves. Of course this was part of the programme of .thp disciples of Karl Marx, whose most prominent prophets, Lenin and .Trtosky, had not so far demonstrated its success.

“I cannot help thinking that those at present representing what may be called the Communistic wing of the Labor Party, are working on lines not acceptable to* this country generally.” stated Mr. R'eece. “Most people would carry a torch in a procession to demand the rights of the people as a whole, but this is a democratic country, and any attempt to foster class consciousness will not tend to enhance the position <)f the worker. As one who has worked to the extent of h’is capacity, I hope not always selfishly, a® one who has studied the revolutions and- past attempts to work under socialist, I cannot . find much improvement upon the system of government possessed by the people of New Zealand. I would rather work for a single employer than be policed by a Commune. I have great faith in the working men of this country. I ’ believe it would be the wish of the majority to save New Zealand from the spread of doctrines which are pernicious tp the .true interests of labor, as they are destructive to all progress.

“If my reliance on the moderation and common sense of the' New Zealander" is truly based, then whatever obtains’ in other lands we win fqllow our own course, endeavoring to create a nation where the varioivs sections of the community may adjust their differences in an equitable manner.”