COAL DEADLOCK

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 302, 15 September 1920, Page 7

COAL DEADLOCK

LAURENCO MARQUES RAILWAY STRIKE

REDUCTION IN PRICE ISSUE

OBSTACLE TO DROPPING OF

DEMAND

MR. SMILLIE'S LEADERSHIP INVOLVED

(By AssociatloiKOo'Dyrliflit

London, September 13. While tlh'o coal deadlock continues, fresh developments may be expected during the week. The course of future events will bo better understood by remembering that a number of tho men's loaders now favour dropping tho demand for tho reduction of tho prico of domcstio coal; but Sir. Smillie fe the chief obstacle, because after his retirement some time ago, when Labour declined to support his direct-action, policy for nationalisation, he only consenitd to return on a guarantee that the demand for tho reduction of the price of coal should bo made, and if tho 'demand is now dropped Mr. SraiUlio will go. Consequently, Sir, Smillie's fight involves his future leadership. There :b not tho slightest! doubt that public opinion is hardening against the miners, and moderate Labourites fear a general election on this fesue, for while the extremists in]end smashing the Parliamentary mach-'he and setting up a boviet system, the majority of trade "nionist? do not want ib. destroy tho constitution.—Renter,

ILLOGICAL DEMANDS. {Rec. September 14, 5.5 p.m.) London. September 13. Although the miners' executive refused to separate tilie two demands the miners generally do not attach seiions importance to the demands for a reduction of 14s. 2d. on the price of domestic coal. Mr, Spencer, a trustee of the Derbyshire Miners' Association, declares that it is illogical to ask for increased wages and a reduction.in the price of coal. Ho is convinced the miners would not strike on the 14s. 2d. .reduction issue.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

MINERS' PUBLICITY PROPAGANDA SUPERVISED BY BERNARD SHAW. (Rec. September 14, 7.40 p.m.) London, September 13. JTr. Bernard Shaw is supervising the miners* publicity propaganda.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SHORTER WORKING WEEK IRON WORKERS WANT AN INQUIRY. (Rec. September 14, 9 p.m.) Sydney, September 14. The iron trades employees are willing to return to work if the employers agree to an inquiry into tho shorter working week by tho Conciliation Commissioner. If' the inquiry shows tliaii hours inay bo reduced without injury to industry, the Government will legislate introducing a 44-hours week—Press Assn.

MEN TO RESUME TO-DAY. (Reo. September 15, 1.15 a.m.) Sydney, September 14. Afifer a conference between the iron trades' employees and employers, the Industrial Commissioner announced that tho men will resume work on Wednesday, revert to normal conditions, and not hold stop-work meetings, pending an inquiry regarding the shorter working week.—Press Assn.

ITALIAN STRIKE MOVEMENT

CONFEDERATION OF LABOUR TAKING CONTROL NEGOTIATIONS WITH MANUFACTURERS OPENED. _ , Rome, September 13. It is regarded as Significant that the Confederation of Labour has assumed responsibility in connection with tho sttake movement. This means that the more level-headed leaders recognise that the present, position is impracticable. Tho question, however, its whether the men will follow tho confederation leaders, seeing that they believe ill is no longer a question of wages, but one of complete expropriation and n new life for the workers. The confederation, iowover, lias succeeded in opening negotiations with the manufacturers, whoso representatives have undertaken to place the demands before a general council. The demands include the appointment of workers representatives on the boards' of directors. Tha confederation has ordered the evacuation of all the factories except metallurgical works, but the only response so far is the evacuation of the Campagna works at Turin, after some firing, in which two people were kfflod. In the Palermo district, peasants have occupied Inrge estafe without resistance. Every Soviet workshop "s strongly fortified, and some aro guarded with machine-mms. The workera are divided into throe shifts, of which, one works, another sleeps, and keeps guard with rifles. Tho Tenners, many of whom are young men, frequently harruKruo the workers, their slogan being. "Death before surrender." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

TO FIGHT WORKERS' ILLEGALITIES

INDUSTRIES SUBSCRIBING FUNDS. (Rec. September 14, 7.10 p.m.)

Rome, September 11. According to a Milan message the representatives of eight hundred industries have resolved to subscribe tho funds necessary flo fight the workers' illegalities to the end. _ Tho representatives depiored flie inactivity of the Government. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

COLLAPSE REPORTED. (Rec. September 14, 5.5 p.m.)

Cape Town, September 13. The railway strike at Lourenco Marques lias collapsed, and 500 of the strikers havo signed on unconditionally. The Portug neso Government announces' that the recent arrests were made, not because the men struck, but because they disobeyed tihe call to tho colours.—Aus.-N.Z., Cable Assn.