COAL CRISIS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1372, 24 February 1912, Page 7

COAL CRISIS.

A STRIKE INEVITABLE.

GOVERNMENT URGED TO

PREPARE.

CONFERENCES PROCEEDING.

By TeleeraDh-Prcsß Asßoclatlon-CoDyrlshl London, February 22. Cabinet Ministers nnd Sir Cieorgo Askwith hod a two hours' conference. Tho miners' representatives later conferred with tho Ministers. Seventy coalowners finniiy met in conference with the miners' representatives. The result of the conference is at present unknown. (Eec. February 24, 0.5 a.m.) London, February 23. The conference between tho Ministers and the representatives of the miners has adjourned until Tuesday, when representatives of the Miners' National Conference will be invited to join in the negotiations. The magistrates at Ehondda have applied for 1500 troops. "The Times," in urging tho Government to prepare for tho worst, says it is doubtful whether any decision of the National Conference in the direction of peace would command flic obedience of Mouth Wales. The "Labour Leader" declares that unless tho Government can compel the owners to submit, a stoppage of the mines is inevitable. Mr. ISirrcll, Chief Secretary for Ireland, in a speech at Bristol, said he hoped for a settlement of tho coal trouble, but neither the owners nor tho miners wculd be allowed to act to the detriment of the nation.

RISE IN COAL PRICES. CREDIT SUSPENDED IN SOUTH WALES. London, February 22. Best coal is selling in London at 345. Tho Wholesalo Provision Dealers' Association at Bristol has decided to suspend credit terms to retailers in South Wales in the event of a strike. Tho Admiralty, in addition to the American contract for a supply of coal for tho Mediterranean Squadron, is purchasing all tho available coal in South Wales.

Enginemen in Durham County have decided to strike on March 11. Tho masters refused their demands for an eight hours' day, and an advance in wages.

THE GERMAN TROUBLE. AN EIGIIT HOURS' DAY. (Rec. February 24, 0.5 a.m.) Berlin, February 23. The miners on the Ruhr coalfield demand a fifteen per pent, increase in wages and tho introduction of an eight hours' day, which shall bo exclusive of tho timo occupied in going and coming to tho mines. A seven hours' day is demanded where the temperature is high. A reply is requested before March 5. Berlin, February 22. German coal strike is unlikely. INCONVENIENCE IN SPAIN. Madrid, February 22. The Minister for tho Interior fears the coal strike in Britain will close many works in Spain.