THE BRITISH LABOUR CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1920, Page 2

THE BRITISH LABOUR CRISIS.

1 Reuter’s Telegrams.)

HOPE OF SETTLEMENT. LONDON, Sept. 8. A feeling of optimism prevails in Labour circles at the miners’ decision to accept Sir P Horne’s invitation to meet and discuss matters. It is believed that once the two sides are again in touch, there is every hope that a strike may be averted.

Tlie National Conference of miners / to-morrow night will hear the result of the executive’s meeting witlr Horne and will decide whether the miners remain adamant or compromise.

LABOR’S DIRTY TACTICS. LONDON, Sept. 8

In connection with the annual elections of the Parliamentary .Committee of Congress, a most notable incident was Mr Sniillie’s onslaught on Labour’s tactics in buying and selling votes. The practice was for the various big unions to bargain votes at Congressonal elections. Thus one group secertly undertakes to help another, if the latter reciprocates. Owing to the miners lastyear breaking out of the practice, none of their candidates secured election. Mr Smillie characterised it as a shameful, pernicious system and said trades unions condemned capitalists for dirty methods, but did not keep their own tactics clean.

TRADE CONGRESS RESOLVE

Reuter’s Telegrams LONDON, Sept, 8. Tlie Trade Union Congress unanimously adopted a resolution that the claims of miners were reasonable and just, and should be conceded immediately. Tlie resolution wqs also adoptcd protesting against Government’s action in blocking Russian delegates from attending the Congress.

BRITISH MINERS DISPUTE. LONDON, September At the Trades Union Congress, Mr Thomas M.P., made a statement regarding the miners trouble. He said he denied that the Congress were afraid to raise the issue of the miners dispute J out- of fear of ,the miners’ great power. The Miners’ Federation had raised no objection to the Parliamentary Committee of the Labour Party bringing up the; question at the Congress for the theTienefit of the public. It was assumed in some quarters that miners were anxious for a stoppage. His answer was thafi a stoppage of the mines was ths last thing they desired. No one realis- , ed the consequences of a general stoppages more than the miners did tuemselives. Their Labour Parliamentary ~ Committee was composed of men. who ™ had to conduct trade disputes. They wer more concerned in adopting an attitude that might help to peace rather than embitter controversies by any statement they might make. Their action had abundantly been justified iy the invitation the Government had sent to the Miners Executive.