STRIKE SITUATION

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1920, Page 1

STRIKE SITUATION

•Australian & N.fc. oablu association] STRIKE RESULT. LONDON, Oct. 24. Owing to the miners’ strike, other workers discharged in England anct Wales includes 102,000 through reductions in staffs ,and 90,000 placed oh short time. . The loss to Sheffield through cancelled contracts is nearly a quarter of a million. Cotton operatives in Lancashire will be placed oh halftime, owing to the official restriction of the consumption of coal. ’THE SITUATION GRAVE. LONDON, Oct. 23. Mr Bohar Law, speaking in the House of Commons, summed up the strike situation as grave. He said that though the position was till very grave, he and other Ministers would continue to “explore” every avenue which may lead to a. peace such As desired. , The Parliament .Committee of Trade of the Union Congress met, and decided to call a special congress of the Executives of all tlie Affiliated Unions for Wednesday, to decide liow host to help the miners to win. The general belief Is this may persuade the Railwaymeri’s Executive to hold their hand for the present. The Associated Society of locomotive enginemeh have not yet decided to join the strike, or at aby rate they will not come out on Sunday. Mr Bromley ,the Secretary says he believes there is not. to bo a railway strike.. The “Globe’’ ’, states Mr J. 11. Thomas, when steh in the lobby of the House of Commons, said that in the event of the Railwfiyiueri striking he would not lend them. ' /■/ , THE OTHER SIDE. LONDON, Oct. 23. The labour men favouring a fight on industrial lines continue to influence the strike situation. The South Wales miners to-day adopt ed a resolution in favour of withdrawing all labour from the mines, including the pump, hands. There was also a motion that the miners should work the mines during lie strike for their own benefit. This was rejected. A SUGGESTED CONFERENCE. LONDON, Oct. 23. Hon Lloyd George, in a letter to the miners’ executive suggests a preliminary meeting between ministers and several representatives of the executive to endeavour to arrive at a basis of settlement before a conference with the whole executive. Tlie miners agreed and are sending four officials, including Smillie and Hodges, to meet Ministers at Downing Street on Sunday morning. It is unofficially stated there are good prpspects of a settlement. RAILWAYMEN POSTPONE STRIKE VANCOUVER, Oct. 23. A message from London states the rail Way men’s strike has been postponed. LLOYD' GEORGE’S' ATTITUDE. LONDON, Oct. 23. As a result of unofficial discussions lasting two days, between the Ministry and the miners for a basis upon which to resume official negotiations with a prospect of settlement. Mr Lloyd George has formally invited the miners’ Executive again to confer with the Government. It was upon hearing of this that the miners requested the railwaymen’s executive to postpone tlie proposed, railway strike on Sunday. This the latter agreed to do.. R EPRESSIVE LEGISL ATT ON. LONDON, o<it. 23. Tho Government proposes new repressive legislation to deal with strikes. This is the measure called, the “Emergency Powers” Bill. The Government hopes to pass it through all stages m tlie House of Commons on Monday. ft is intended' to deal with all situations arising out of strikes, such as threatening interference with the supply or distribution of food, water, fuel, light and other necessities or means of locomotion. The text 6f the Bill does not even • give any details: Tlie Bill will, however, embody the principle of the Defence of the Realm Act. It will empower the Government to pass regulations to meet any emeigency and “to safeguard the public interest’ by the enforcement of military Jaw in all strike districts.” Soldiers ; may be used to suppress any violence or interference with food etc. The Bill' claims also to provide for the issue of regulations to prevent specu .In tors bond profiteers from exploiting ’the public in any Eav during strikes. I COAL POSITION MOVISTXG. (Received' This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, October • The newspapers made guarded coni'merits on the coal situation especially ! as both sides are pledged to secreej regarding the lfitest proposals. In of the more promising position, it :s expected 1 Government will not proeee< immediately « the emergency hill, as it is certain' to rouse controversy.