BRITISH LABOUR CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 April 1921, Page 3

BRITISH LABOUR CRISIS.

CABLE NEWS

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. BIG COAL SHORTAGE. LONDON, April 19. The coal scarcity is increasing and there are long 'queues in front of the offices where the householders are trying to secure permits to get half a hundred weight weekly. Many are unable to allow even this and not an ounce is for sale.

Residents with gas stoves are being refused permits to buy coal. The farmers are stopping threshing in Leicestershire owing to there being no coal for the engines.

SUIT FOR LIBEL. LONDON, April 19. Mr Thomas has issued a writ against the newspaper “Communist'’ for libel. OWNERS’ OFFER. NATIONAL WAGE BOARD. LONDON, April 19. The coal owners announced they are making the miners a detailed offer, including a National Wages Board to deal with tho principles that shall he applicable to the whole country, stating these principles shall be applied in determining district wages according to district financial result)*. They propose j the minimum wages shall be determin- j ed nationally, the miners to receive, in addition, any surplus revenue available in each district during the existence of | abnormal periods. j They also offer a conference to deal j with wages in the lower paid districts; j also with an agreement for a national I settlement of the relation of wages to j profits, and for a joint audit of the j owners’ Ixioks on behalf of the owners and workers.

OWNERS REPLY TO MINERS. LONDON, April 19. Replying to the Miners’ Federatio the ooalowncrs negotiating committi announce they are prepared to full discuss wages with the miners, but wi not scrap all the suggested wages seal without discussion. It is understood that the owners ar of opinion that Hodges’ proposal fo a tonnage levy is entitled to earefi; examination. The owners also offer a joint audi by a Itoard for the protection of inei in connection with the figures b; which the wages and profits are deter mined. SOLUTION NO NEARER. (Received r his dnv at J. 30 p m I LONDON, April 20. The coal deadlock is no nearer sol ll tion. Moth sides are issuing propaganda matter, but it leaves the problem essentially the same. Though the miners’ executive were again in London, there is no prospect of reopening negotiations this week. Everything depends on Friday’s National Delegate Conference, which will probably extend to Saturday. Though the majority of the coalfields are standing out for a national pool it is expected the result of Friday’s Conference will he a determined attempt to negotiate at least a temporary settlement.

Humber members of the executive say so long as fair and reasonable wages are paid it matters little whether i it comes through a pool or elsewhere, j If negotiations are not resumed a pro- < posal will be made for a voluntary levy | on all unions affiliated with the Trade | Union Congress to enable the miners to continue the strike. I