LABOUR UNREST

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 147, 17 March 1919, Page 5

LABOUR UNREST

BRITISH COAL COMMISSION CONTROL OF THE MINES By Teleeraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. March 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 14. Giving oridence before the Coal Commission, Mr. William Straker, secretary of the Northumberland Miners' Association, said it was useless to ask the miners to refrain from striking unless the nationalisation of tlio mines iras approved, giving the miners joint control. Mv. Straker suggested that a council of five representatives appointed by the Ministry of Mines and five by tho miners should be empowered to open and work tho mines and sell and distribute the coal.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Asn. (Rec. March 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 15. Sir John Sankey states that the Coal Commission's report will be presented on March 20.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MINING A DEADLY OCCUPATION. (Rec. March 16, 11 p.m.) Londoh, March 15. Mr. Robertson, chairman of the Scottish Union of Mine Workers, told the Coal Commission that mining was deadlier than ever. There were 1210 fatalities in the United .Kingdom for the decade ending 1916, also J08,852 non-fatal accidents during 19H, ;;nd over 3,250,000 seriously injured in the last twenty rears.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable <\ssn. APPALLING HOUSING CONDITIONS (Rec. March 17, 0.10 a.m.) London, March Jβ. The Mines Commission was greatly impressed by Mr. Robertson's evidence of the appalling housing conditions, especially in Scotland, and tbe necessity of the State providing proper homes. Mr. Robertson stated that 28 per cent, of the population of Wishavr lived in houses of onp room, 2768 lived upwards of five in one room, and 1237 lived upwards of six in one room. Numbers were compelled to share beds with consumptives. -Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

CONFERENCE OF HAILWAYMEN REFUSE TO COMPROMISE ON NA- . TIONAL PEOGEAMME. (Eeo. Mareli 1C 5.5 p.m.) London March 15. The Bailwaymen's Conference passed a resolution refusing to compromise on the national programme, and instructed the executive to inform the Government to that effect in the strongest terms. It is understood tliat the companies offered to mate the war increases permanent. The union executive will consider the situation on March 20. Labour's Triple Alliance will confer on March 21.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. AGRICULTURAL LABOURERS' DEMANDS WAGES BOARD FAILS TO EFFECT A SETTLEMENT. (Eec. Mareli IG, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 15. The Agricultural Wages Board failed to settle the Agricultural Labourers' Onion demands for a twenty shillings increase weekly. The farmers offered an increase of five shillings. The union officials assist that tho unrest is grave, and domand an inquiry by a body similar to the Conl Commission. They have summoned a national conference for April 12—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE POLICE UNION NOT RECOGNISED BT CABINET. (Rec. March 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 15. Tho War Cabinet has decided not to recognise the Police Union, but will endeavour to improve the constitution of the men's representative committee — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FORTY HOURS WEEK VOIED FOR BY VICTORIA TRADES COUNCIL. Melbourne, March 15. A ballot of delegates to tho Trades Hall Council on the question of the 40liours working week resulted in a unanimous vote in the affirmative.—Press Assn.