MINERS' TROUBLE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 298, 10 September 1920, Page 7

MINERS' TROUBLE

STATEMENT TO TRADES UNION CONGRESS MEN ANXIOUS TO AVOID A STOPPAGE (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright (Rec. September 9, 10.35 p.m.-) London,.. September 9. At tho Trades Union Congress Mr. J. H. Thomas, M.P., made a statement regarding the miners' trouble. He denied than tho congress was afraid to iaiso tho issuo for fear of tho miners' power. The Miners' Federation raised no objection to tho Parliamentary Committeo bringing up the question (it congress for . tho benefit of ilhe public. "It is assumed in somo quarters," ho said, "that tho miners aro especially anxious for a stoppage. My answer is that tho stoppage of the mines is the last thing we desire. No one realises the conscquences of a stoppage more than tlio miners themselves. The Parliamentary Committee, composed of men who had to conduct trade disputes, were more concerned iln adopting .an attitudo fihat might help for peace rather than embitter tho controversies by any statement they mighil make. Our action has been abundantly justified by the invitation tho Government Ims sent to tho miners' oxeoutive."—Reuter.

OPTIMISM IN LABOUR CIRCLES London, September 8. A feeling of optimism prevails in £a<hour circles at the miners' decision to accept Mr. Ilorne's invitation to meet and discuss matters. It is believed that onco tho two 6ides aro again in touch there, is every hope of a strike being j averted. The National Conference of Miners meets to-mcrrow night to hear tho result 'of the Executive's meeting with Mr. Home and to decide whether 1 tho miners are to remain adamant or ftom-promisc.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter! CONGRESS DECLARES^MINERS' CLAIMS ; JUST inip ' . :n! I BARGAINING FOR VOTES-//, CONDEMNED. M' ' London, Scptembeir',-& The Trade Union Congress unannaqus. ly passed'a resolution declaring thdfcjDho claims of the miners wore reasonable and just, and should be conceded immediately. . Congress also passed a motion protesting against the Government's aetibu) ! itt banning Russian delegates from attending the Congress. In connectioiiMvith the annual election of the Parliamentary Committee of Congress, the most notable incident was Mr. . Smillie's onslaught on the tactics of La- . boiir in buying and selling votes. .. The practice is for various big unions to bargain for Totes at Congressional elections; thus, one group _ secretly undertakes to help another if the latter reciprocates. Owing to the miners last year breaking off the practice, none of t{ieir candidates secured election. Mr. Smillie characterised this as a shameful and pernicious system. lie said trade unions condemned capitalists for dirty methods, hut did not keep then own tactics clean.—Eeuter. FIGHT AGAINST SATURDAY WORK WATERSIDES APPEALED TO FOl ASSISTANCE. (Rec. September 9, 9.30 p.m.) Sydney, September 9. ' Tho iron trades employees have issued an appeal, to tho waterside workers for assistance in tho fight for the abolition of Saturday work. The Ironworkers Assistants' Union is asking the Minister of Labour to prosecute certain employees claiming to be members of tho union who worked on Saturday' last-Press Assn. LOURENCO MARQWSTRIKE SETTLED Capo Town, September 8. The Lourenco Marques strike has been settled. Prompt acts by the authorities prevented disturbances.—Aue.-N.Z. Cable Assn.