COAL INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 242, 7 July 1921, Page 5

COAL INDUSTRY

DISCONCERTING AFTERMATH OF STRIKE NO WORK FOR THOUSANDS OF MINERS ABANDONMENT OF SOME PITS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, July 5. A’ disconcerting aftermath of the coal strike is rapidly developing. Whan the industry was under control all the collieries were overstaffed, to the extent of 110,(XX). It is now estimated that between 100,000 and 150,000 men, probably 60 per cent, of the normal workers, will ba absorbed by the end of July, but three months must elapse before all the workable mines will be in proper order. Some of the pits must be abandoned, and others must have new shafts sunk. In many cases the electrical pumping plants are ruined, and to replace them a large amount of new capital will lie required. The general outlook is unhappy for employer and employed alike.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. SEVENTY MILLMRKING DAYS LOST COST OF MILITARY AND NAVAL MEASURES. (Rec. July G, 9 p.m.) London, July 5. The military and naval measures in connection with the coal strike cost £8,855,000, while 70,000,000. working days were lost through the strike.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ANOTHER DISPUTE QUESTION OF USING FORKS OR SHOVELS. (Rec. July 7, 1.20 a.m.) London, July 5. Tho Government apparently has not yet finished with disputes on the coalfields. Ten thousand. miners at the Staveley Company’s pits in Derbyshire refused to comply with the owners orders that they should use the old-time forks in filling the tubs, instead of shovels When the chairman, Mr. Markham was told that he was contravening the London agreement, he replied to the deputation that the pits would not be reopened unless forks were used He has gh-en notice of withdrawal from the Coal Owners’ Federation, and the conuanv in future will stand on its m tegs and defy the Government or, anyv ’ icrt Tho Derbyshire Mmeis Aspits are idle—Reuter.