BRITISH COAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1925, Page 2

BRITISH COAL CRISIS

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.} THE COURT’S FINDING. LONDON, July 28. The Court of Inquiry regarding the coal mining dispute reported that the ~ workers were justified in claiming the incorporation of a minimum wage provision in any wages agreement. The Court concurs in the view that wages, at an agreed rate, Ik? a charge on the' industry before profits. Tbe Court expresses tbe opinion that there is considerable room for improving immediately the efficiency of the coal industry as a whole, and thereby to afford aid for its economic position.

An improvement in the distribution of coal might lower the price, and stimulate the demand. The Commission says that the prescut crisis, to a large extent, has iiecn created liv neither of the parties the dispute, hut is an inevitable sequel to the economic upheaval due to the war. The commission glides over the question of the royalty system. The decline in the demand is attributed to a falling off in foreign sales, to oil burning shins, to the growth of hydro electric power and to a great " increase in the coal production in countries formerly that were ■Britain’s customers. Foreign competition is also noted. Sir Joseoli Cramp, one of the Commission in an addendum, partially attributes the worsening of the position■rf' (luring the past few months to the effects of the introduction of the gold standard and the attendant deflation, lie says that witnesses conveyed the impression that the resumption of the gold standard means one shilling per ton difference in price. PRESS OPINION. LONDON, July 29. It is expected that Air Baldwin will attend a joint meeting of the coal owners. and the men, under the chairmanship of Mr Bridgeman to-day. The “ Times ” regards the finding of the Court of Inquiry as decisive. It ' savs: “The owners have no alternative but to suspend the notices and withdraw their proposals. If they are wise they will do so with goodwill.” The “Daily Mail” is also of the opinion that the coal owners can baldly refuse to withdraw their notices at present.

(OAI. TROFBLE CONFERENCES,

[Reuter Telegrams.] (Received this day at 10.25 a.m.) LONDON, July 29. There was much activity in Downing Street early to-day, which is the crucial stage of the coal dispute. Mr Baldwin, who conferred with the owners for two hours yesterday, alter a prolonged Cabinet meeting, met the miners’ representatives this morning and later conferred with the owners, preparatory to a joint meeting ol the two sides at the Ministry of Labour. It is understood that Mr Baldwin submitted to the miners this morning certain conditions whereon the miners are prepared to consent to an appeal to postpone the notice terminating the agreement.