On Monday a serious development occurred when the dockers and
railwaymen in some places refused to handle imported coal The object, which at once became apparent, was to retrieve the collapse of the Triple Alliance. The undertaking to distinguish between coal for public services and commercial coal was ignored. On Tuesday the Executive of the Transport Workers gave its sanction to the action of its men, and decided to consult with the Railwaymen's Executive with a view to " tightening the embargo." When we write on Thursday committees of the Executives are meeting to decide upon their policy. The Government, of course, cannot and must not give way. Coal should be imported freely. The amplest protection should be given to every one willing to handle coal destined for any use, public or private. There is no other way.
Previous page
