CABLE NEWS, BRITISH LABOUR CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 April 1921, Page 3

CABLE NEWS,

BRITISH LABOUR CRISIS.

BY TFLEGIIAFH —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. THE “TIMES” FEARS. LONDON, April 14 Tho “Times” declares it is difficult to see what will save the country from a national strike of the most serious_nature. It is difficult to find a common ground for such divergent principles as a district wage and national pool. CALLED TO COLORS. “THE TIMES” SERVICE. * LONDON, April 14. Many railwaymen and miners are amongst the reserves called up. There have been no cases of failure to respond to the summons. £60,000 STRIKE PAY. "TONDON, April 14 It is reported that Derbyshire mineis lodges have distributed £60,000 m strike pay at the rate of £1 per man and 3s for each child. LLOYD GEORGE’S STIFFNESS. reuter’s telegramsLONDON, April 14 A preface to the official repoit, inferring to the question of a national pool, shows Hon Lloyd George said—“ That we cannot have. We will take the .fight on until this first principle is accepted. We must fight it out. We are prepared to discuss wages and piofits with the miners and mine owners so Jong as the first principle is accepted.” WELSH EX-SOLDIERS APPEAL. TO THE PRINCE OF WALES. LONDON, April 14 Four Welsh ex-soldier miners on behalf of their fellow workers, in a letter to the Prince of Wales, directly appealed to him to intervene in the strike. They declare that the wages offered range from 64s 3d to 46s 9d for six days’ work. Owing to broken time and Jdump in trade, work averaged five ■days, and during the last few months only two or three days weekly. If they accept the wages offered, they would be worse off than paupers. We ask is this what we fought for. We ask f" help us, not to get land fit for heroes, hut a decent wage for a fair day s work. STRIKE NEWS. AMSTERDAM April 13. The transport workers of Rotterdam have decided that if a general strike m Britain' is proclaimed, they will refuse to tranship goods from or to Britan. LONDON, April 13. The Parliamentary Committee of the Trade Union 'C-ongjress the National Executive of the Labour Party, and the Parliamentary Labour Party, will confer regarding the industrial situation to-morrow. It is understood that tho census will he postponed if the strike begins. The electrical trades unions are ready to join in a strike if the Triple Alliance decides that their support is ' desirable. A FURTHER CONFERENCE. LONDON, April 15. As the outcome of unofficial intervention by members of the, House of Commons, the Coal Owners at midnight on Thursday invited the miners to discuss means to improve the lot of the lower-paid workers. After this conference a deputation of members of the House of Commons roused Mr Lloyd George in the small hours of the morning at Downing St. jind conveyed to him the result of the discussions. It is understood that the miners will now meet the owners and discuss the question of wages only. A DEADLOCK. LONDON, April 15. The men’s leaders interviewed Mr Lloyd George. The Premier said he would strongly appeal to the railway and transport leaders to exercise restraint and not precipitate a crisis. Tho Government, he said, are not prepared to make 'any further concessions. The workers’ leaders, in replying, said that they were unable to advance new arguments beyond those advanced, or to concede any point. Mr Gosling stated that the transporters, having themselves got a national basis of pay, they could not desert the miners, who are standing for a similar principle. PREPARATIONS FOR FIGHT. LONDON, April 15. Both sides are preparing for eventualities. The Government has completed plans for the distribution of food. It has rigidly rationed coal. It has also arranged a skeleton day service on tho railways. The Triple Alliance is forming Local Strike Committees for wholesale picketing and a system of hospital permits has been made by ft. It is reported that the workers and other ranks in Liverpool are ready to join the strike. Many churches remain open for intercessary prayer. Calm prevails in tho coal areas. There are troops now in charge in the coal areas. They are fully equipped with tanks to assist them. SITUATION UNCHANGED. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, April 14. The Triple Alliance adjourned unti to-morrow. Air Thomas annoi meet that the situation is unchanged. Hon Lloyd George, in the House oi Commons promised to submit the strike statement to discussion to-morrow. He deprecated discussion to-day in view o the conversatons still proceeding be tween the various parties.

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