COAL CRISIS IN BRITAIN

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 251, 17 July 1919, Page 5

COAL CRISIS IN BRITAIN

MINERS DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR SHORfAGE THE NATIONALISATION QUESTION By Telegraph-Press Aesociation-Oopyrichi (Kec. JulylC, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 15. At the Keswick Conference, Mr. K. Smillio (president of the Miners' ifederai ion) denied thut tlie miners' demands justified the present increase in the price of coal. The federation was lesirous of assisting to the utmost in increasing the output. The miners denied absolutely the responsibility tor the shortage. Mr. Smiflie believed that nationalisation alone would achieve llie proper output, by eliminating the royalty to the owners and the introduction of new machinery. The miners were not likely to strain every nerve to make the owners' fortunes. He assured the Government that the miners were willing to strike in order to .assist them against tho hostile capitalist combination. Tho conference passed a resolution offering tho fullest support to tho Government in carrying out Mr. Justice Sankey's report.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. strikeTfliiiNers (Eec. July 16, 11.5 p.m.) London, 16. •To-night 150,000 miners struck in West Yorkshire, the men refusing the proposed rearrangement of hours and piece rates under the Saukey Award. The masters have nothing to do with the ciuarrel, which is between tho Coal Controller and the miners.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.