THE COAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1926, Page 3

THE COAL CRISIS

[Australian & N.Z. Cable, Association.]

OWNERS’ ATTITUDE. LONDON, April 22,

Mr Lee, the Secretary of the Mine Owners’ Association, in a statement regarding the owners’ conference with the minors, says that the miners made it clear that they are not prepared to hegotiate except on the basis of a. uniform national percentage. The owners stud that they did not want to reduce wages, hot they pointed out in some districts, especially the ones ■from which coal is exported overseas the industry was in desperate straits, owing to the competitive conditions obtaining abroad. This, the owners contended, was really the crux of the. Whole position. The miners were quite adamant, on the question of there being no extension of the working hours. ANOTHER CONFERENCE. LONDON, April 22. it is learned, on the highest authority, that the Prime Minister has again emphasized to the coal owners the fact that the State subsidy to the industry will terminate on the first of May. To what extent there may he temporary assistance will depend entirely upon the situation arising out of tho present negotiations. It is anticipated that the Government will now intervene, and will summon the two parties together, as was done last July LONDON, April 22. It is officially stated that after a meeting with the Miners’ Federation, a deputation from the General Council ol tho Trades Union Conbress waited on the Premier and suggested that ho should invite, the coal owners and Ihe miners’ representatives to meet him with a view to a resumption of the negotiations. The Prime Minister agreed, and he has invited the Mine Owners’ Association and the Miners’ Federation to meet him at eleven to-morrow morning. ME BALDWIN’S ACTION. ,'Received this day at 8 a.m.t LONDON, April 23. There is general satisfaction that Mr 1 Baldwin has taken the coal situation in hand. The most shrewd of observers express the opinion that the matter 1 would not he able to he settled without Government intervention, since in the event of temporary assistance which 1 the Government promised after the 1 subsidy, is unknown, The owners na- * turally are unable to take such as.si.s- ■’ tance into account, in drawing up the 1 new wages rates. Consequently these * caused consternation in the miners * ranks. <

According to the “Daily Herald’’ oven tho owners admitted they had provided a. small wage. Air Evan Williams, tho owners chairman is reported to have said:—“lt is a miserable wage we are proposing. If you would consider a. longer working day, wo might he able to pay decent wages.” The “Herald” says there are reductions in the rate from a shilling a day on the average wage in Yorkshire, to 2s 10d in South Wales, while same grades lose as much as six shillings.