THE COAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1919, Page 3

THE COAL TROUBLE.

BRITISH COAL CRISIS

SITUATION MORE SERIOUS,

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.; (AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE. ASSOCIATION] LONDON, July 17. There is no indication of the Government giving any reply to the coal miners’ conference decision to strike to enforce nationalisation of the mines. The reply of the Cabinet is anxiously awaited. Messrs Brace and Hartshorn, (Labour M.P.’s were deputed to convey the decision of the Miners’ Conference to the Government, but those M.P.’s decline to discuss the probabilities as to the miners’ future action. The general impression is that it is the intention of the Miners Conference to compel the Government to take the next step. This probably will be the reimposition of the six shillings a ion increase. This is expected because the Government demanded- a three-months non-strike -pledge as a condition for postponing the Gs increase. Mr Robert Smillic miners’ leader, declares that if the Government wishes the miners to pledge themselves not to strike, then the Government is morally bound to pledge their acceptance of Judge Sankey’s Commission’s report. The miners’ refusal to pledge themselves not to strike has restored the <?onl situation to its previous serious-/ ness. ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE.

SMALL DOSE OF NATIONALISATION.

LONDON, July 17

Lord Milner, in the House of Lords, proposed that State ownership of coal mines be first tested in a given area before adoption. He remarked -.hat there was a growing tendency all over the world towards increased State control of fundamental necessities.

THE COAL PROBLEM. (Received This Dav at 9.2-5 a.m.l LONDON, July 18. Air Bonar Law in the House of Commons said in view of the Miners’ decision, the six shillings increase will be effective on the 21st.