BRITISH COAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1925, Page 1

BRITISH COAL CRISIS

[Australia. & N.Z. Cable Association.] APPEAL TO POT IT SIDES. LONDON, July !>. Replying to a communication from the President of the Mining Owners’ Association. Mr Herbert Smith. President of the Miners’ Federation, expressed the belief that no good purpose would be served by their respective sub-committees meeting on tile mine owners' proposals prior lo the. annual ooiiftivnc" of the Miners’ Federation next week, inasmuch as the Minors’ Federation already has indicated that there is no room for negotiations on

the owners’ proposals. In the Commons, questioned regarding the coal crisis. Mr Pnldwin said he thought it was clear tliai the possibilities of negotiation were not yet exhausted. lie appealed to both sides to explore every opportunity for a settlement. lie disagreed with the Labourite--, who staled that the deadlock was complete. LONDON. July !). In the Commons, in reply to a question, Mr Pnldwin stated that he was not considering the granting of a suitsidy for the coal export trade. In the House of Commons, speaking on the .Ministry of Labour estimates Mr Hartshorn (Labour) drew attention to the fail that, whereas there were 38,009 unemployed in the mining ini' 11- 1 r.v last year, there were 31)1,000 miner.-, unemployed last month. lie contended that the industry must be ellicieutly equipped and organised. Mr Lane Fox. replying, quoted iiguro.s in support of his contention that the level of efficiency was very high, because, although the wage per shif- in Germany averaged 81 d compared with lL’tr’d in Britain, the pithead costs were •_’!!fii 1 and 226 d respectively. A cessation of the present almost cut-throat compel it ion was necessary, especially in the export trade. LONDON. July S. The Executive of the Internal iimal Miners’ Federal ion. before concluding their session in London, alter a discussion on the world-wide coal crisis, decided to rail a further meeting ol the Committee in Paris on July 281 h. lit decide on a form of joint international action if a settlement is not reached of the disputes in the various countries. lON DON. July 0.

ft is underslood lj,ial if no settlement in the coal dispute is reached very shortly, lit lion Mr ISridgemnn. on behalf of the (lovernment will ask the owners and the milters to meet him. II this meeting foils the Government will then refer the. wages question to an Industrial Court of Enquiry in order to inform the public os to the respective viewpoints.