THE MINERS' STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1407, 6 April 1912, Page 5

THE MINERS' STRIKE.

EXPECTGD TO BE DECLARED OFF, RESULT OF THE BALLOT. WILD SCENES IN FIFESHIRE. By Teleeraph—Press Association-Cooy'dslit (Rec. April 1, 10.23 p.m.) London, April i. There is every indication that the Miners' Federation will declare tho strike oil' to-day. The miners' ballot on the question of whether or not the strike should continue resulted :— For resumption 158,836 Against 182,7*7 There were large abstentions from voting, including 36,130 in Durham. Mr. Albert Stanley, Labour M.P., at a mass meting at Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, said it was now impossible to secure the uecossary two-thirds majority in favour of continuing the strike. A resolution iu favour of returning to work was almost unanimously carried, despite tho previous contrary ballot.

Another leading miners' official, interviewed, said it was doubtful if a twothirds majority was necessary, but the Miners' Federation must wipe up tho mess. The reason for obitreperousness was found in the continuance of strike pay. South AValos was pacific because the funds were exhausted. The federation must order resumption of work, and ask tho district executives to suspend strike pay.

Miners in North. Staffordshire and Walsall. will resume to-day. The minors' war chests in Durham, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, and Nottingham still contain £750,000. (Ree. April G, 0.10 a.m.) London, April 4. Mr. Ashton, secretary of the Miners' Federation, announces that the necessary two-thirds majority for continuing the strike has not been obtained. (Bee. April G, 1.5 a.m.) London, April 5. The final figures of the ballot are:— For resumption 201,013 Against 244,011 No rule covers tho mutter, but as there is not a two-thirds majority, tho executive suggest that a. National Conference be called for Saturday to recommend resumption. DISORDER IN FIFESHIRE. POLICE CHARGE THE RIOTERS. London, April 3. Though only two-thirds of tho miners voted on the question whether or not work Mould bo resumed, an increasing number of pits arc re-openiiig. Mr. Ashton, secretary to tlio Miners' Association, states that as u two-thirds majority had produced a strike, a twothirds majority was necessary to continue it.

Two thousand men and women attempted to hinder non-unionists at the Glcncraig pit, in Fifeshire. There were wild scenes. Fifty police, mostly mounted, made several charges, the rioters replying with heavy volleys of stones. Order was eventually restored.

Strikers smashed numerous windows of houses at Pontypool, Wales, in connection with grievances regarding tho working of coal outcrops. Many were injured, ono critically. MINIMUM WAGE. London, April I. Owners and men in Lancashire and South Wales have appointed boards to fii a minimum wage. DECREASED RAILWAY BUSINESS. London, April i. The decrease in railway business through the striko amounts to £2,509,000. BELIEF FUNDS. London, 'April 4. The Prince of Wales has given '£500 to the strike relief funds. Gisborne, April 4. Tho sum of JJI7O has been contributed to the "Herald's" fund for the relief of the distressed people of Britain. Tho amount will be forwarded through tho Premier. Christchurch, April 4. Tho sum of .£IOOO has been contributed so far to the Christchurch "Press" fund for the relief of the distressed people in Britain.