COAL CRISIS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1385, 11 March 1912, Page 5

COAL CRISIS.

JOINT CONFERENCE^ PROPOSED MEETING «' WITHOUT PREJUDICE." MINERS' POSITION. By rolezraDh-Presa Aasoola.tien-o«Djrii:hV (Rcc. March 10, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 9. The Premier (Mr. Asquilh), considering tho Government's proposals the fairest means of a settlement, has invited both parties to meet tho Government without prejudice, and freely discuss tho whole situation. The Miners' Executive undertook to summon a National Conference on Monday evening, but it was unable to recommend accoplanco of tho proposed settlement unless tho principle of the minimum wage was ONcluded from discussion. The Fleet has been ordered to cconomiso its coal to tho utmost. Tho South Wales and Monmouthshire Coal-owners' Association has reiterated (hat it will not admit the principle of the minimum wage, but is willing to discuss tho question of abnormal places in mines if the men will abide by the agreements. London, March 8. In connection with tho coal strike, it is significant that a conference of coalowners from all parts of the country is to bo held at the Premier's invitation. One of tho features of tho strike has been tho small part played by the Parliamentary Labour party. Tho Mayor of Stoke-upou-Trent, Staffordshire, declares that ho is unable to cope with the distress. Eighty thousand children are affected. Tho wages being lost amount to XIiO.OOO n week. Mr. Reginald M'Kenna, Home Secretary, has conferred with the railway managers regarding the protection of property during tho strike.