THE COAL MINERS AND THE WAR.

Marlborough Express, Volume LI, Issue 87, 14 April 1917, Page 4

THE COAL MINERS AND THE WAR.

The Acting-Prime Minister's visit to the West Coast will, /it is to be hoped, result in the coal/miners now out on strik^ returning 1-to work at once. Sir. James A'Tlen, # who is accompanied by th^ Minister for Mines, the Hon. ./TVIr Mac Donald, must naturally V'e very anxious as to -the outcome of the present situation, for if persisted in the cessation of work must necessarily obstruct the regular despatch of the reinforcements and, what is of almost equal importance, delay the shipment of New Zealand-produced food for the armies on the Western front and the munition-workers in Great Britain. The two Ministers -xill, we are sure, put the position before the men very

plainly. That position is that no matter what may be. the opinions of any class in the community on the subject of compulsory military service, it is impossible to interfere with the course, of legislation duly passed by the elected representatives of the people, 'tlie law ts there, and must be obeyed. Not only that, but those who are foolish or wicked enough to defy the law must not expect to be regarded—by Dane and loyal New Zea.'anders —as martyrs should they be punished by duly constituted'Cdurts for using language calculated ttf incite theiiv fellowcountrymen to obstruct the Defence. Department in its organisation of the reinforcements. The position taken up by these..West Coast miners is entirely indefensible. Not only is it indefensible, b'uti 'it _is most, unpatriotic,-, and practically, if indirectly, an aefc^of disloyalty. _ The present situation cannot be ,, allowed to continue. ". It is to be hoped that Sir James Allen will be able to bring the strikers into ja, more reasonable frame of mind; and that work at the various mines affected may be resumed without delay. Should, however, the men remain-obstinate, strong measures will have to be taken to secure the provision of coal for the shipping and railway services of the Dominion, and the country ( will look to the- Government, to grapple -with* "the situation with energy and firmness, irrespective of jsfetever threats may be made. It is manifestly impossible that coal miners should be exempted from military service and should nevertheless adopt a "go-slow" policy the effect of which is to impede the ordinary progress of the Dominion's industries as well as obstructing the despatch of reinforcements and food supplies. One* result, at least,' of the Ministerial-" visit to the Coast must be .that the mines will soon again be working. By whom they will be worked, by civilian. ; miners;or by miners .-who are soldiers and wjU be under under military law* remains to be seen. We sincerely trust that the Ministerial arguments and advice will make successful appeal to the common sense, patriotism .', . and loyalty of the men. If not, then the country can, we feel sure, be relied upon to support the Government in any such measures, however extreme and unpleasant for the persons primarily affected, which it may be deemed necessary to take.