NEW DATUM LINE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 7, 4 October 1920, Page 5

NEW DATUM LINE

OFFERED ,BY BRITISH COALOWNERS MINERS' STRIKE NOTICES POSTPONED SECOND BALLOT TO BE TAKEN By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright , London, October 1. As the result of a conference held today between the coal owners; the miners' executive, and the Board of Trade, each side has appointed .a small negotiating committee, "use are now conferring. Replying to Mr. Lloyd Georgo's question: "If the datum line for a two shillings increase was 242 million tons, nave you sufficient evidence that it will materially now?" Mr. Hodges replied les, adding that o settlement might bo reached if the owners and the Government were disposed to agree that if' an output of 242 million tons materialises tin immediate advance of two shillings *as granted, Mr. Lloyd George:'. "That position is not promising." Mr. Lloyd George and the Government

representatives subsequently withdrew to onable the conference to proceed.— Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. CRec. October 3, 5.5 p.m.) V m , . London, October 1. Ine coal owners iinally offered a rise of la. per week for a 210 million-ton output, Is. 6d. for 244 million tons, and 2s. for 248 million tens. .. It is officially stated that the miners have postponed the strike notices until October 18 to enable a ballot to be taken on October 11.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

London, October 2. ' lno conference between the coal owner* and minors agreed fo tho following additions to tho scalo cabled yesterday, if the minors' ballot approved of the datum principle:—A 2s. 6d. increase for an output of 252 million tons and 3s. for 2SG million tons.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

MINERS' EXECUTIVE RECOMMEND ACCEPTANCE. (Bee. October 3, midnittht.) London, October 3. Mr. Hi/jginbottom, the Flintshire owners' (representative at the coal conference in London status that tho miners' 'executive has agreed with tho owners to recommend the acceptance of the latter's offer.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. VOTING FOR THE SECOND BALLOT. (Rcc. October 3, 5.5 p.m.) London, October 2. There were 530,000 votos in favour of ft scccnd ballot, and 400,000 against it. A vote will be takon on the direct issue, whether the men accept the datum lino or striko for an immedinte concession of 2s. per week.—Aus.-N.7j. Cablo Assn. OPPOSITION ITSQUTH WALES THOUSANDS OF MINERS STRIKE. (Rcc. October 3, midnight.) London, Oetober 3. _ The chief opposition to the datum lino is from South- Wales, whore thousands have struck as a protest against tho execute's decision. Meanwhile a conference of the. South Wales Minors' Federation delegates has discussed the proposal to refrain from a, second ballot. Many favoured abstention, involving separation from Hie Miners' Federation of Britain. The conference adjourned, until Wednesday, with a view to consulting the lodges whether to participate .in the bal-lot.—Aus.-N.Z.' Cable Assn. LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE MINERS FAVOUR STRIKE, (Rec. October 3, 5.5 p.m.) London,. October 2. The Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Federation Uiia passod a resolution in favour of a striko, also advising members to vote against tho datum.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SYDNEY COMTTRIBKNAL FURTHER AWARD ISSUED. * Sydney, October 2, Mr. Hibble, chairman of tlio Coal Tribunal. Uas issued a further awjird for mining employees mot inoluded previously, increasing the rales by 3s. a cay for nil adults.—Press Assn. AUSTRALIAN SEAMEN ORDERED FROM SHIPS TO ATTEND STOPWORK MEETING. (Roo. October 3,.- 5.5 p.m.) ■ Melbourne, October 8. Under instructions from the Federal Council of Seamen's Union in Sydnoy, all members of the Victorian branch have lieen directed to lcavo their vessels on Monday to attend a stopwork meeting. The same instructions have been issued in all the States, although no reasons (ire given. Matters cf grave urgency affecting tho union must have arisen, to provoke 6Uoh nn unusual action.—Press Assn.