COAL CRISIS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1369, 21 February 1912, Page 5

COAL CRISIS.

GREAT RIOTING FEARED,

MINERS REPORTED SHORT OF FUNDS.

NEGOTIATIONS PROCEEDING

By TWecranh-Proas Associntlon-Goarrlebl (Rec. February 21, 0.30 a.m.) London, February 20. The Chief Constable of Glamorgan states that the miners ate without funds, and if the strike cannot be won peacefully the authorities must be prepared for * wholesale rioting and looting, as, besides the strikers, there is a reckless starring population. Tho Chief Constable demands 3500 Infantrv and 5000 Cavalry. Sir George Askwith, Chief Industrial Commissioner, has conferred with the Industrial Council on the coal crisis, and has submitted representations to the Government. , , r . . , It is expected that the Prime Minister will announce in the House of Commons to-day what action it is proposed to take.

Tho negotiations with the Conciliation Board, representing the English mines, continue, and it is rumoured that a modus vivendi has been reached with regard to the minimum wage. EXCITEMENT ON COAL EXCHANGE. CONCILIATION BOARD MEETS. London, February 19. Mr. Sydney Buxton, President of the Board of Trade, speaking in the House of Commons, declined to make a statement as to tho Government's action in connection with the threatened coal strike. There is excitement on tho Coal Exchange, and prices in South London havo ndvanccd -Is. since Friday.

The Conciliation Board, representing tho coal owners and miners, has met privately in London. Tho executive of the National Transport Workers' Federation recommends that in the event of a strike all affiliated unions should assist the miners in every possible way.

Elaborate precautions are being taken to prevent rioting in South AValcs.

Tho police arrangements in colliery villages are complete. EFFECT ON COTTON TRADE. CANNOT SURVIVE WEEK'S STOPPAGE. (Kec. February 20, 10.10 p.m.) London, February 20. The cotton trade at .Manchester will be gravely affected if coal supplies stop. Tho industry cannot survive a week's stoppage of the mines. Tho latest rumours from South Wales indicate tho possibility of adjustment.