BRITISH LABOUR CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 9 June 1921, Page 3

BRITISH LABOUR CRISIS

BY TELEGRAM!— PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT

SETTLEMENT EXPECTED. LONDON ,Jiuie C. The coal owners and miners had a full and frank discussion. There was an undoubted desire to reach a settlement during the fortnight. The Government’s offer of ten million pounds is available, although Mr smith f speech is far from conciliatory, and nearly wrecked the good intention wherewith the meeting opened 1h - conference continued to discuss the possibility of a new standard wage. _ the owners were prepared to base their profits on the workmen's 1914 wages, but the miners ask for the 1920 standard - plus the existing percentages. The difference expressed in wages per slutt iconsiderable. The conference will tomorrow consider how the standard wage can bo modified. Tn view of the opinions expressed across the table, once the miners and the owners have agreed regarding < standard wage, a settlement "> ■ within sight. NEARING the END (Received thip day at 1.30 p.m A LONDON, June 8. . The “Morning Post” states it is almost certain that the coal strike wi end next week. The news that the miners , executive have called a e e conference is considered on the coalfields to indicate that the time has come for the men to go back to work. All along the leaders declined to let the rank and file vote until they had something to place before the men, which they could reasonably ask should be accepted. Friday’s conference will certainly decide to get the £10,000,000 for the miners while there ,is time. Another week’s suffering can be saved if the return to work is ordered without a ballot.