The Daily Worker

Australia's New
"Labor" Premier Opposes
Militant Strike

SYDNEY (By Inprecorr Mail Service).-The miners union, the mine owners' association and the government of New South Wales have all refused to accept the order of the Federal arbitration court. Scullin's government of New South Wales refused to obey the order of the Federal Arbitration Court for the reopening of the mines on the old conditions whilst the Federal government grants a subsidy of nine pence per ton in order to maintain wages. As there is compulsory arbitration in Australia the matter will now come before the courts.

The attitude of the Labor Prime Minister Scullin is typical of what may be expected from all "labor" governments. After the armed police had shot down unarmed miners, he addressed himself, not to the police murderers, but to the comrades of the murdered, with a request that they should refrain from violence.

The unions oppose the suggestion of the Sydney Trades and Labor Council in which the Communists have considerable influence, that a general strike of the miners should be called in order to support the New South Wales miners. Police are still guarding the Rothbury mines and the railway line in order to ensure the transport of scab coal.

Scullin declared: "Despite the evil activity of a little group of irresponsible hotheads in the mining districts who are encouraged by a number of people in responsible positions, I am convinced that the majority of the miners want a quick settlement of the conflict without adopting radical and unlawful measures."