The Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1913. A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 3 November 1913, Page 4

The Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1913. A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK.

j Although we are unable this mornj ing to announce definitely that the strike has been settled, we are grati-' lied to*be in the position to report that the strike leaders are'adopting : a .less bellicose attitude. They have, ! indeed, made proposals for submission to a conference; which may fornix the basis for an almost immediate settlement. the Premier and Sir. Joseph Ward have been asked to convene a. meeting of the employers for tho consideration of these proposals, The workers have practically accepted the conditions originally laid down by the employers, but which were .subsequently* withdrawn. These provide for. a resumption of work on the old terms, with substantial guarantees against the future breaking of agreements. Whether the employers will be prepared to accept the terms suggested, remains to be seen. For ourselves, wo trust that, in view of the incalculable injury that will be wrought to' the Dominion by the continuance of hostilities, the employers will be in a conciliatory mood. At the present juncture, any suspicion pi' unfairness may divert the sympathies of the public to those who have precipitated the strike, but are now apparently regretting their indiscretion. In the meantime, while negotiations are in progress, it would be extremely unwise-,.t0 employ free labour to man the ships. The country, by sending contingents to Wellington, has shown that it is determined that the 'transport services shall not bo. dislocated. The pres-. ence in the city of a thousand rural stalwarts has probably brought the .strike leaders to realise the futility of further demonstration;, and has caused them to sue fox* peace. We «ee no reason why a settlement should not be come to o.n terms which will be satisfactory. Meanwhile, tho Prime Minister and Minister of Justice are to be congratulated upon' the firm stand they have taken for the maintenance of law and order. When the strike is over, as we - sincerely hope it will be in the Course of tlio next few'hours, we shall tender some advice to those who allow themselves to be drawn into industrial upheavals by men who are without responsibility.