THE COAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1926, Page 2

THE COAL CRISIS

[Australian A N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, April 13. 'j'he coal situation is causing increased anxiety ill view of tlie termination of tho State subsidy to the industry on the 30th of April. The owners and the men will meet again to-day, when the latter will communicate their delegate conference decisions, against lower wages and longer hours.

The minors will also make a statement in connection with their attitude towards the Coal Commission’s report. In the latter connection, the “ Daily Herald” says: “The miners, like tho owners do not accept all the Commission’s recommendations.”

The “Daily Express” says: “It is expected that Mr Baldwin will summon representatives of the owners and the miners to meet him jointly on Wednesday, and will demand from them a clear definition of the terms on which each side is willing to cutei into a new agreement as from May Ist. Mr Baldwin’s task will then ’ho to bridge the gulf between the two sets of terms. This cannot he effected by renewing the coal subsidy. The Government lias eaused it to bo known to-night that they adhere definitely to their decision to euxl the subsidy oil April 30th. There may be some limited assistance in a- few hard eases but only oil the understanding that an agreement will lie reached.

I.ord Jellieoe attended a meeting at Croydon in connection with the Organisation for the Maintenance of Supplies. He said: “In the event of a general strike, the population would be reduced to starvation in a few days. The Organisation for tho Maintenance of Supplies aims to supply voluntary man power for essential services.” ■ Lord Jellieoe emphatically denied that the 0..M.5. was provocative, or was a strike-breaking organisation. It would only intervene, lie said, when the life of the community was threatoiled.