THE COAL CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1919, Page 1

THE COAL CRISIS.

THE BIG RISE IN PRICE

CASE FOR THE CABINET.

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, July 14. The cortl crisis continues to .exercise public opinion. The debate to-day on the subject in the House of Commons attracted a large attendance of members and public. The Government in advance had issued an urgent whip to the members who support it. Sir Auckland Geddes gave tho Government’s side of the question. He declared that tlie projected increase in the price of coal of six shillings a ton wps not Imsecl on political motives. He asserted it was solely due to a reduced output. One factor, he said, in reducing the output, was that there were insufficient faculties for coal transport. This shortage had followed on the granting to the railwayman of an eight-hour day. “Tlie outstanding fact is,” went on the speaker, “that the country’s workj is not being done. There are profound industrial changes, which are causing a widespread disturbance, even outside the trades in which the changes have been introduced. A national effort is necessary to increase the coal output, which is a vital necessity.” Sir Auckland Geddes remarked that the subsidy which the State derived from the export profits on coal sent out of the country are now falling every day. “If these export returns disappear,” he said, “then the price of coal must be raised another sixteen pence.” Sir Auckland Geddes added that they must also face the prospect of rises being made in the price of coke, pigiron, steel, spelter, gas, electric power, rails, and ship plates. The present crisis, he declared, was a grave one, because it threatened their export trade in coal, wherein America was now becoming a serious competitor. America was offering coal contracts, which Britain, he said, must copy. This meant reducing tlie price they got abroad. Unless they reduced the export coal price, their outward hound ships would have to take ballast instead of coal. He declared that if they hoped to pass through the dark and anxious days that were ahead they must endeavour to renew the spirit prevailing, he concluded, “will fall on those who are not doing their best to increase production.”

WELSH MEMBER'S REPLY. LONDON, Julv 14

Replying in the House to Sir A.,Geddes, tho Kt. Hon. W. Brace, (Labour M.P., for Glamorgan, and till lately Coalition Under-Secretary for Home Affairs), strongly criticised the Gov-

eminent. He described Sir A. Geddes’ speech as a most depressing utterance. It constituted, he said, the strongest condemnation of the Government’s policy in failing to take the House of Coinmans into its confidence and asking its

co-operation. Mr Brace 'urged the Government to delay its imposition of the increase proposed and to confer with the coal miners and mine owners with a view to find ing means of increasing the output. “The miners,” said Mr Brace “would have greater faith in the Government if it carried out the Sail key Commission’s report. The miners believe that the nationalisation of the industry is the real key to the situation.” COAL PRICK. LONDON, July 1-1.

In the Commons, Air Bridgeman said Government "'as gravely concerned at the increase of the coal price. There was no hope of alteration until the cost of production was reduced. INCREASE DELAYED. " LONDON, July 14. When .Mr llonar was speaking on the coal price increase, Air Brace interrupted him and said that if the Government would only with-hold the putting of their new (is impost into operation, then the miners would operate with the Government in trying to increase the output of coal. Afr Honar Law, in reply, asked if the miners would give an undertaking that there would he no stoppage of work for three months. If they did, the Government would he inclined to defer the increase. Aleanwhile, ho said the price would not he increased next day, hut its imposition would be deferred until Monday, so as to allow of a conference with the miners’ leaders on Thursday to consider the matter.