THE COAL STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3986, 20 July 1915, Page 5

THE COAL STRIKE.

NO STRIKE PAY AVAILABLE. MEN STILL CONFIDENT OF VICTORY. NATIONAL EM ERGENCY /MADE USE OF. (Received July 20, 1.20 a.m.) LONDON, July .19. A majority of the minors in conversation Jiotly rosent the imputations of unpatriotism, pointing out that a number of the miners have enlisted and most of the leaders have sons in the army, a majority holding commissions.

They had an unpleasant shock owing to the announcement that there would be no strike pay, as the Sooth Wales war chest only contains a week’s pay and there is no likelihood of the strikers receiving assistance from the Miners’ Federation or other trade unions. Most of the men are still convinced that in this hour of national crisis they have the country at their mercy. There is a. widespread impression in South Wales that the Government will concede all the men’s terms except the stipulation for a three years’ agreement. The matters in dispute will ho referred to a tribunal under the Munitions Act, which Jflll decide regarding marginal differences between Mr Runciman’s awards, and the men’s full demands. 'The miners would then have the right to ratify or reject the new agreement when arranged.

Mr Tom Richards, M.P.. and Mr Vernon Hartslmm state that the men believe the masters plated upon their patriotism in order to induce them to icept unwelcome terms. They believe :he Government- lias been pulled by he employers, who are now relying mi the Government to force the men nto the pits.