BRITISH COAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1925, Page 3

BRITISH COAL CRISIS

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association

MH BALDWIN’S COMPKOMISH. LONDON, July 31. In connection with tin* coal crisis, tho negotiations have developed rapidly. Late last night an announcement was circulated by the owners that notices had already been suspended. Though premature, this was not without foundation.

It appears that the owners who were available after Mr Baldwin made an offer to Ihe miners were unable lo give a guarantee of a suspension, until a full meeting of the Council this morning, hut their explanations, according to the “Daily Kxprcss” left no doubt that the notices will he withdrawn.

A suggestion for an enquiry came from Mr Baldwin in an early sr.iteinont to the Miners' Federation. "I am prepared,” he said, “as head ol the Government, to do my utmost by way of the establishment of an authoritative enquiry to try to get to the bottom of the economic difficulties, and to see how far the allegations concerning the room for improvement in the industry are well founded.”' When Mr Baldwin again met the miners, they expressed a desire to co-

operate. Mr Baldwin then made an offer to assist the industry temporarily. The Government’s offer came as a surprise, after Mr Baldwin’s repeated declarations against a subsidy. Both the owners and the miners late in tin; afternoon had declared that the situation was hopeless. The Bailwaymen’s Kxecutive issued instructions against the handling of coal.

The Great Western Railway Company then issued a statement warning the men of a legal obligation to carry all the traffic offered to them. The Government 'Departments circulated plans for emergency measures. The Cabinet held a lengthy meeting, however, and it assented to some financial assistance for tho industry until the spring, pending the enquiry. It is believed that the assistance is a guar-

antee against loss. The “Daily Herald” claims that the iron solidarity of tho trade unions overcame the reluctance ol some of the miners to use State funds. It is stated in several quarters, that Mr Baldwin contemplates a Royal Commission, with a wider scope than the Sankey Coal Inquiry. Late editions of the morning papers

regard tlie crisis ;is over. The pa|icrs understand that the owners will agree to a suspension ol their notices. The “Times” says: “The Cabinet led the way to the chance of a solution which neither side can refuse, without alienating all public sympathy. CONDON, .fuly 31. Mr Baldwin spent the night in conference with the miners and coal owners separately. A joint meeting did not occur.

It is understood that the owners will meet probably at ten this morning to discuss the Premier's suggestion to suspend the notices. The meeting is arranged at that early hour in order that a'n intimation may he sent to the Government as soon as possible. if the suggestion is accepted, enabling the news to reach the mining districts promptly there is not expected t oho any dink-nit, v in reaching a decision on the point. What is described as “the Premier’s last hour hid for peace” is given prominence in the papers which mostly regard the decision as a virtual settlement of the coal crisis as the owners tiro expected to withdraw their notices, which otherwise are expiring at midnight to-night. An official announcement has been issued, but too late lor anything in the nature of detailed comment. Ihe statement is issued by the Ministry of Labour and it says: hollowing a meeting of the Cabinet, at which lull consideration war. given to the whole ol the circiimstiJnees of Die coal dispute, the Premier had a Inrlher conversation with tlie representatives ol the miners and the eoa! owners. I lie former told the Premier that they desired to co-operate in the proposed enquiry with a view lo Ihe full investigation of methods for improving the productive eflicieney of the industry for the purpose of increasing its competitive power in winning markets. 1 hey intimated that it was unfair to require n reduction of wages with the present cost of living to secure contribution towards meeting the difficult. situation with which the industry is coni routed. The Premier consequently announced that the Government were prepared to assist the industry until spring, when aii enquiry will lie completed. 1 lie Premier requested tlie owners to suspend their notices for a fortnight in order that the necessary discussions might proceed concerning the way in whirl temporary assistance could he aflordetl.” A’ statement has been issued by Secretary Cook on belmll ol the miners, [t says:—A settlement has not yet been reached. A further meeting with the Premier has been arranged tor noon to-day, after the Premier has met the owners. The mine workers will receive instinct ions immediately after to-day’s meeting. TRUCE FOR A FORTNIGHT. LONDON, July 31. The coal owners have withdrawn their notices for a fortnight.