MINING CRISIS IN BRITAIN

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 130, 26 February 1919, Page 5

MINING CRISIS IN BRITAIN

THE STRIKE BALLOT NATIONALISATION OF COAL SUPPLIES By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright London, February 23. The latest figures of the miners' ballot show that 223,387 votes were in favour of the strike, and 51,837 were against it. Mr. Smillie declares that the only way to avoid the strike is to concede the demand for the nationalisation of the mines.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Addressing a miners' demonstration at Mansfield. Mr. Hodges/ secretary of the Miners' Federation, said that if the Government wanted to avert a national disaster the Koyal Commission's. report on wagea and hours must be announced before the strike notices espired (on March i). Nationalistaion must also be conceded in prinoiple. He declared that the railvaymen and transport workers supported the miners. He urged that municipalities should buy and distribute'coal, with a view to saving the middleman's profit. The Transport Federation's officials have circularised all the branches, warning them to be ready for the strike in every seaport in the Kingdom, to enforce the demands—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Eeuter. MAJORITY VOTE SECUEED. (E«c February 25, 5.5 p.m.) London, February 2i. Though the final figures of the miners' ballot are not available, it is certain that the necessary two-thirds majority for a strike will be secured.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . DEBATE iFpARLIAMENT THE PRIME MINISTER'S ATTITUDE. (Roc. Febuary 25, 7.d0 p.m.) London, February 2i. In the House of Commons, on the second reading debate on the Coal Commissions Bill, a remarkable divergence of opinion was revealed. The miners members demanded that tho Government should immediately grant the wages and hours claimed by the miners. Mr. Lloyd George definitely, refused another conference with the miners, as tho Government did not possess the requisite fundamental data.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A LABOUR AMENDMENT NEGATIVED. (Eec. February 25, 11.15 p.m.) London, February 24. A. Labour amendment in the House of Commons refusing to submit the question of the nationalisation of mines to a lioyal Commission was negatived by 257 votes to i3.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A BAKERS' STRIKE TO ABOLISH NIGHTWOEK. London, February 25. 1 ballot, of London halters proved to be ovenvh-dmingly in favour of a strike to abolish jightwork. It is understood that a similar result is evident throughout the country. The master bakers threaten to light to the last—Aus.-N.Z. Coble 'Assn. 19 PER CENT. INCREASE ' NEWCASTLE MINERS' CLAIMS GRANTED. • Sydney. February 25. In connection witli a claim by the Colliery Emp7<#ees' Federation for a 20 per cent, increase ia wages, the Abermame and Seaham Collieries, at Newcastle, have offered 19 jer cent,, which has beon accepted.—Press Assn.