THE COAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 April 1926, Page 2

THE COAL CRISIS

■Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] NATIONAL PRINCIPLE SAFE. LONDON, April 29. The Coal negotiations reached the following stage last night at midnight. when tile conference adjourned, Mr Baldwin and all the parties being tired and exhausted:-

Jhe owners concede national agreements instead of district agreements and minimum rates.

The owners are prepared to face the retention of the seven-hour day. The miners have forced the matter of the reconstruction of the industry to the forefront.

Future assets are being exhaustively analysed by all parties, with the view of basing the new wages rates thereon.

The miners are arguing that if the industry is overhauled forthwith, in accordance with the Coal Commission’s report, then any drastic revision ot the pay or the hours will be unnecessarv.

Iho miners argue that, moreover, such a: revision of pay or hours should bo further eased by the promise of Government assistance. WORK TO GO ON. LONDON, April 28. The “Daily Express” states that instructions tor suspending the owners’ notices on Friday at midnight are ready for issue, if the conversations proceed satisfaeorily to-day. in which case, the coal subsidy will be continued for a week or two.

Ij:o officials of the Mines Department are of opinion- that the men will continue to worn while the final details are lieing thrashed out. The “Daily Herald” says: “The miners told Mr Baldwin that so long a.s private enterprise maintained the obligation to find the money for an adequate wage, the matter rested with the owner.” “I put my ace on the table! You put yours!” said Mr Herbert- Smith, (President) for the miners, who argue that it is the defective organisation of the industry, for which they are not" responsible, which has rendered it unable to cope with the existing world crisis.” The newspapers that are in the closest touch with the owners still regard the situation pessimistically.