HOPEFUL OUTLOOK.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1377, 1 March 1912, Page 5

HOPEFUL OUTLOOK.

BRITISH COAL CRISISCABINET PEACE SCHEME WELL RECEIVED. HUNDRED THOUSAND MEN OUT(Rec. February 23, 10.10 p.m.) London, February 25. It is officially announced that the Government has informed the coal-owners:— (1) That it is satisfied, after careful consideration, that there are cases where miners cannot earn a reasonable living wage from causes over which they have no control. (1) That it' is satisfied that the power lo secure such a itago should bo secured by arrangements suitable to Tlio special circumstances of each district, adequate safeguards being provided to protect the employers against abuse. (3 That the Government is prepared to confer with the parties concerning tho best method of giving practical effect to this conclusion by means of district conferences between the parties, at which the Government will be represented. (4) That in the event of any such conferences failing to arrive at a complete settlement within a reasonable time, representatives of the parties and the Government decido jointly all outstanding points, with a view to giving effect to the agreement in principl». The official communication adds that the employers in the English federated area, and Durham and Cumberland, have accepted the proposal. Northumberland, Scotland, South Wales, tho Forest of Dean, Somerset, and Bristol have refused the Government propositions. The miners concurred in the first two propositions, but disagreed with Nos. 3 nnd 4, as they are not prepared to rcgaTd the minimum wage scale adopted on February 2 as open to negotiations. Further conferences will be held to-day.