COAL STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1388, 14 March 1912, Page 5

COAL STRIKE.

CONFERENCE SITS,

NATIONAL SETTLEMENT INSISTED ON.

SCOTTISH MANIFESTO

By Tel*BraDh-rrc6s Asaoci/Jt.iou-CoDjrlehl London, March 12. The eoal-owners' and miner-,' executives have conferred with tho Premier, tlu> President of tho Hoard of Trade (Mr. Buxton), and Sir George Askwilh, Chairmfui of the Industrial Conciliation Council. The Welsh owners decline to cancel the 1900 agreement unless tho Government: will guarantee- that tlio next one. will bo strictly observed by tho miners. Several of the newspapers, commenting on the miners' exclusion of tho principle of a minimum wage from discussion by the conference, point out that tho Premier and G5 per cent, of the owners haTC already accepted the principle. (Roc. March 11, 1.5 a.m.) London, March 13. The coal strike conference adjourned after a generiU discussion. It is reported that, (he conference is considering the minimum wago schedule district by district, and that the Government is suggesting a compromise whenever there is a wide divergence between the owners and the miners. ■ It is understood Hint the Miners' Federation has determined that no districts shn.ll return to work until a national settlement has been reached. Owing to a chill Mr. Lloyd-George, Chancellor of Die Exchequer, was unable to be present. The Scottish coalowners have issued a manifesto reiterating their opposition to a minimum wage. They state that the increasa in the cost of production would be from is. to 2s. Gd. per ton, which the consumers would have to pay. Last year's profits in Scotland, they declare, wore only sufficient to cover, depreciation. The proportion of unprosperous collieries was much larger than was generally believed. The demands of the miners' leaders were made in pursuance of a Socialistic policy having as its object the nationalisation of tho mines. ' The Rev. Meredith Morris, 1 incumbent of Clytlach Vale, in addressing a gathering of miners at Ton Peutre, described capitalists as devilishly selfish. Ho did not beliovo in riot?, but the miners must make their case strong. Personally, he favoured the nationalisation of mines and lands. In the meantime the workers must secure a grand federation of their unions. ■ NEWCASTLE DISPUTE. ALLEGED SPLIT AMONG OWNERS. Sydney, Tuarch 13. It is reported Hint there is n serious split amongst the colliery proprietors on the question of tho abolition of tho afternoon shift, a section favouring abolition. (Rec. March 13, 9.25 p.m.) Sydney, March 13. The Northern Colliery Proprietors' Association has decided to meet llio men in conference, regarding the afternoon shift. The secretary states that whatever action is taken will bo taken jointly. He denies tho existence of a split among tho coal-owners. •FRENCH MINERS RESUME. Paris, March 12. The miners have resumed work.