THE COAL SITUATION

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1920, Page 3

THE COAL SITUATION

( r AUSTRALIAN dfc N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] WAITING NEXT MOVE. LONDON, October 14. It is reported in Parliamentary cir--1 eles that the Government expect the 1 coal miners to movo next. They expect them to make the first, step towards a settlement. ' It is now officially stated that Mr R. Smillie is ill, and was unable to take any active paflt iin yesterdays conference. It is said he feels keenly there ! has been a rebuff to his personal authority. ! LLOYD GEORGE’S WARNING. LONDON, October 14. Replying to the miners’ leaders, who made an announcement respecting their Conference decision to allow strike notives to expire, the Premier said lie would emphasise the gravity of the decision. Tliia was a time when all industry was confronted with great and difficulties. The pTospect j of unemployment was causing great anxiety. The Government’s aim was to secure an increased output of coal, this being in order to increase its revenue, ! and lower tho cost of living and also j to provide more exports to assist to pay l,for imports. The Government’s proj posals, he argued wore supremely reasonable. STRIKE POSSIBILITIES. LONDON, October 15. If a strike occurs, it is probable pacing tv ill be immediately stopped. It is stated the Food Ministry will not attempt to break the strike. Tbe Ministry states it will see that people are fed. In this duty it stiles it will look for sympathetic assistance from Labour. If necessary a clearing hour : to be erected. MEN DETERMINED. /' LONDON, October 15 The newspapers are now dismayed at the seriousness of the coal situation. They assert the Government has done everything to avert trouble. The papers say the only hope to avoid a strike is that the lenders may seize upon a phrase in Mr Lloyd George’s letter claiming that he is still ready to explore every avenue which may lead to- a peaceful solution. The leaders of the miners, the press states, seem to be afraid of losing touch wi tho rank and file of the men if they try negotiating any further with the Government and companies. The old; order loaders are personally averse to a strike. Tho press says a strike is being engineered by young extremists. If a strike commences it must last at least for a, fortnight, as it will take that much time to arrange a new ballot which alone could end a strike. GOVERNMENT PREPARATIONS. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) . LONDON, Oct. 15. In order to conserve coal for homo requirements, Government put an embargo on export from United Kingdom to tak* immediate effect. Government in view that they are prepared to cope with the situation has sufficient railway coal supplies to enable a full service to be maintained for an appreciable period. It has completed all details for transport of food by road and sea if necessary. If the men’s lenders are able to make further suggestions for a further conference with Government, or are able to show they can lead the men who now are apparently forcing their hands, Hon. Lloyd George will be v'illing to meet them. MINERS CEASING WORK. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, October 15. Official —The miners cease work tomorrow'. After the miners conference decided to strike, Mr Smillie made a passionate appeal for unity. He expressed regret that the strike was forced by the obduraney of the Government and their unwillingness to recognise the equity of the miners demands. He had taken certain steps in the hope of averting a great industrial struggle. He would now fight with them to the bitter end. The conference agreed to permit sufficient workers to remain to keep the mines in order. PUKEMIRO SETTLEMENT. l - WELLINGTON, Oct. 15. ( A settlement has finally been arrived at in connection with the protracted Pukemiro coal mine dispute. The negotiations attained fruition to-day as the result of a conference held between Mr P .Hally (as special representative of the Pukemiro Union), and Mr W. Pryor (representing the Pukemiro Collieries Limited). On Wednesday a resolution was adopted by the Pukemiro Miners’ Union which was subject to ratification by the Secertary of the Miners’ Federation (Mr J. Arbuckle) that gave Mr P. Hally full permission to arrive at a settlement with the Coal Mine Owners’ Association. The action of the Union was endorsed by Mr Arbuckle. It is now officially announced the miners will resume operations on Monday.