GRIM PROSPECT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1814, 29 July 1913, Page 5

GRIM PROSPECT.

RAND LABOUR WAR. GENERAL STRIKE PENDING. MINE-OWNERS' TERMS REJECTED. ALL-DAYtSITTIN G. By Telegraph—Press Association—OopyrieM Johannesburg, July 27. The Trades Federation has resolved to again, present jts demands to the Government. If they are not granted a general strike will be declared on a date that is being kept secret. (Rec. July 28, 10.30 p.m.) Johannesburg, July 28. The mino owners have offered tho workers half pay during tho ten days of their annual vacation, after attaining scrvice of one year underground, or two years on tho surface. They agree to recognise the Trades Union, subject to the conditions that: (a) The employers approve tho unionist constitution; (b) none of their funds will bo used for political purposes; (c) the Trades Hall shall not interfere with matters of discipline and management; and (d) the employees be allowed to make representations to the masters apart from the unions. Tho mino owners added that any extension of these concessions would involve the closing of a very considerable number of mines. Mr. F. S. Malan (Minister for Mines) has informed the labour leaders that the Government regards the concessions as very substantial ones. One hundred and twenty delegates to the Trades Federation conferred throughout Sunday. The chief obstacles to the final settlement were tho miners' demand for a minimum wage, and the inclusion of winding in the event of an eight hours' day. Tho Federation finally decided that the concessions were inadequate, and a strike committee was formed at the conference. Tho Cabinet Ministers at Pretoria have completed elaborate precautions for tho maintaining of order. The Trades Federation has cabled the Labour Party in Britain protesting against the mobilisation of troops in tho interests of the mine-owners.