MINING DISPUTE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 212, 2 June 1921, Page 5

MINING DISPUTE

COMPULSORY ARBITRATION ALLEGATIONS

THE PREMIER PROTESTS

EXPLANATION OF MINERS’ PRESIDENT

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. June 1, 5.5 p.m.) London, May 31.

Mr. Llqyd George, in a letter to Mr. F. Hodges, the miners' secretary, states: “I observe you suggest that the Government on Saturday threatened to subject the miners to compulsory arbitration. I protest that no such threat was made, and it is particularly unfortunate that the suggestion was made after it lad been agreed that no note should be taken and that the Government proposals should be handed to you in writing. These allegations are bciug used to excite the hostility of the miners against our proposals."

Mr. Hodges replied: “Anybody wiu> stated the Government threatened to subject the miners to compulsory arbitration was most certainly guilty of misleading tho public and the miners; but there is the impression that if the parties do not accept the proposals the Government will take steps to obtain the consent of Parliament to compel their assent. If this impression is without foundation I shall be glad to know it.’ Mr. Herbert' Smith, acting-president: ci the Miners’ Federation, states that Mr Lloyd George never made any threat regarding compulsory arbitration, but in a casual talk said the Government co .Id seek power to pass laws to deal with compulsory arbitration. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS

REJEC T ED BY DERBYSHIRE MINERS’ EXECUTIVE.

London, May 31

The Derbyshire Miners’ Executive has rejected th© Government s new pio-posals.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

( IMPORTED COAL TRANSPORTERS REMOVE EMBARGO

(Rec. June 1, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 1

The Railway- and Transport Unions have removed the embargo on imported co.U, which is now freely handed for all purposes. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.