BRITISH GOAL INDUSTRY

Evening Star, Issue 20051, 17 December 1928, Page 5

BRITISH GOAL INDUSTRY

EXTENSION OF MARKETING SCHEME DISTRESS IN MINING AREA! DEVELOPMENT OF RELIEF METHODS. (British Official Wireless,)' Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. RUGBY, December 14. Colliery exporters from all the exporting areas in Britain began in London yesterday to consider further the proposals for co-ordination and extension of the existing marketing schemes, and additional progress was made. It is, however, pointed out that even when the idea of inter-dis-trict co-operation is accepted in principle there will remain an enormous amount of ground to be covered in formulating the propositions that are agreed to. Further meetings will bo held in due course. It is generally anticipated that in the course of his statement on distress in the mining areas in tho House of Commons on Monday, the Prime Minister will _ announce that the Government is in favour of making an immediate and substantial grant to the Lord Mayor’s Fund for relief. If a Treasury contribution is made it will probably be accompanied by an appeal to the public to continue to respond liberally to the fund, and by si statement indicating the extent of the problem. A recent development of the methods whereby relief is afforded takes the form of the adoption of special areas in coalfields by towns and districts in other parts of the country in which trade is good and there is little unemployment. Inquiries by the authorities indicate that up to tho present children have not suffered physically owing to the distress, and exaggerated reports to tho contrary may bo disregarded. GRANT FROM GOVERNMENT. FOR MOST PRESSING NEEDS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, December 14. As a result of to-day’s Cabinet meeting, it is practically certain that the Government scheme to assist unemployed miners will consist of a Treasury donation to the Lord Mayor’s fund for food, boots, and clothing, which the Government regards as the most pressing need. Tho Government, however, fears that tho announcement will cause a slackening of private donations, which now amount to £145,000. Tho Government ho))es that the national organised appeal will aim at £500,000, in which event the Government will be prepared to add 500,000. — Australian Press Association. THE QUEEN’S APPEAL. Press Association—By Telegraph—Capjright. LONDON, December 16. Amid the tenseness of her own anxiety tho Queen has not _ forgotten the hapless unemployed miners and their families on the Welsh coalfields, to whom she is sending clothing and toys. She appeals to everybody to brighten tho sufferers’ Christmas. Princess Alary sent a supply of bools and her two sons’ largo selection of toys. Tho Duchess of York is sending clothing, and Princess Elizabeth toys. Air Baldwin personally sent a letter to the Lord Lieutenant bespeaking the speediest co-operation for the-relief.— Australian Press, Association.