MINING INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 149, 19 March 1921, Page 7

MINING INDUSTRY

NEGOTIATIONS IN BRITAIN POSITION IMPROVING By Telegraph—Preßß Aasociation-Copyright. London, March 17. Tho position in. the coal negotiations is improving. The joint conference resulted in a scheme which the masters and men are discussing separately. The men, apparently, abandoned the demand for financial unification of the industry for wages purposes. The masters are willing for a period to allow the whole profits of the industry to be distributed as wages after a minimum standard of profit has been paid. They are willing to consider the reduction of this profit, and even to risk the loss of the whole profit for a time. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE NEW SOUTH WALES OUTPUT

LOSS CAUSED BY STRIKES. Sydney, March 18

Despite the Mines Department statistics, the coal owners contend that the rate of output has diminished, and strikes are frequent and without cause. Since January there has been an average ot ten strikes weekly, involving loss in production of a hundred thousand lons. A comparison of the Departments statistics for 1913 and 1920 shows that the output in 1313 was 10,414,000 tons, the employees numbered 18,813, . the average per man below 799 tons, and the average below and above 823 tons. In 1920 output was 10,716,000, employees 19,965, average Mow 761 ions, and below and above s'lB tons. During the war the output diminished through the collieries not working full' time. Unless some change is brought about, it is suggested that the owners contemplate laying all the mines idle till they are assured tho miners will work regularly and honestlyPress Assn. _____