COAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1921, Page 2

COAL TROUBLE.

CABLE NEWS.

BY TELEGRAM —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

LABOUR M.P.’S VIEW

LONDON, April 5. In the Commons, Mr Thomas said there was a genuine feeling in the miners’ minds that the Government , were guilty of a breach of faith in controlling the mines at the end of Hareh instead of August. The work- „ - ers believel this was a determined t oreduce the standard of living. Mr Thomas condemned those who said the fight should be fought to a finish.this policy were adopted whoever wou the nations would certainly lose. The House of Lords adopted a resolution bringing into operation the regula- • tion under the Emergency Powers Act.

MOB LAW. LONDON, April 5. A mob of miners severely mauled the manager at Couldenheatli, Fisher, who •efused to desist from working the mmps. A large force of police used >atons and rescued the Manager. Strikers then hoisted the red flag and colected in thousands and are now bedeging the police. The situation is becoming critical. STATEMENT BY LLOYD GEORGE. LONDON, April G. In the House of Commons during a lebate on the coal situation, Air Lloyd George pointed out that the public demanded a termination of State control - if the coal industry. He declared the payment of a subsidy to industry out if taxation would be indefeasible. The postponement of decontrol for one month would only mean that the present situation must be faced a mouth ience. He urged the masters and men to meet again and seek a permanent settlement, with or without Government intervention. The debate was then adjourned. The Government in consenting to rn adjournment-, caused a more houeful Feeling, based on an impression that an effort will be made forthwith to reopen negotiations. MINING DISORDERS. (Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, April Disorder continues in Lanarkshire. Many strikers were arrested for interfering with pumpmen. dutch Coal trouble. (Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.)AAISTERTLYM. April The Coal Commission is discussing wage reductions, the miners demanding State aid to maintain the present rates. Owners now offer to continue the present wages during April, with six per cent reduction next month. A NUMBER OF CASUALTIES. (Received This Day at 9.45 a.m ) LONDON,, April G. A number of casualties followed en- y counters between the police and the strikers. The Cowdenbeath miners repeatedly broke the police cordon and dislocated street lighting, plunging the township into darkness. Police reinforcements were despatched. EXPRESSING RESENTMENT. 0 ißeceived This Day at 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, April 6. A mass meeting at Waltsown, Yorkshire. passed a resolution expressing resentment at the withdrawal of the pumpmen and intimidation of officials and picketing, which they declared the lodges had not authorised. PRORABLY NEVER RE-OPENED. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LON DON, April 6. According to other Welsh reports several mines, in eonseqpence of the flood damage, will require from six to twelve months to return to working order. The oldest ones which are expensive to work will probably never be re-opened. TRANSPORT TAKES A HAND.

(Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, April 6,

A conference, of transport. workers in London decided to give miners all the assistance in their power to whatever extent necessary. They are now negotiating with the Railwaymen and min. era.

PARTIES TO MEET.

(Received This Dnv at 10.35 a.m.) LONDON, April 6. The Premier wrote to the Mineo vners Association and Miners Federation suggesting, the desirableness of resuming negotiations, and offering the < good offices of the Government to bring both parties together. They . subae-. quently agreed to meet.

AGREEING TO MEET. LONDON April 6. Hon Lloyd George, has received replies from both owners and miners agreeing to meet simultaneously.

A HITCH ARISES. (Received This Day at 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, April 6. Hon. Lloyd George, in the Commons, this evening announced that after the owners and miners had agreed to con- 'Jm ference, a hitch had arisen. The,Miners Federation had now intimated that it could not- comply with the essential condition for a resumption of negotiations, that pumping be resumed. The "Premier appealed to the Federation to reconsider the decision, as it was impossible for the Mine-owners and Go- , vernment to enter into a discussion which necessarily would take some tiiiy_ while the mines were being flooded jflj destroyed. ”

The Commons agreed to the regulations by 270 votes to 60.