THE COAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1926, Page 3

THE COAL CRISIS

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

LONDON, April 29,

During nil interval in the local negotiations, Mr Thomas expressed the opinion that the odds were a thousand to one on n stoppage. LONDON, April 29.

In a statement to the press. Doctor Harnett said as lie had attained the object of clearing his own daughter’s name of flic life stigma of insanity, he did not intend to appeal against Herring’s judgment. As a result of tlie litigation, instead of a monetary compensation for his sufferings, his fortune of twenty thousand will ho swallowed up in Jaw costs. LONDON, April :jo.

Tho coal discussions were continued after midnight, when the Premier, after two and a half hours’ discussion, with tho coal owners’ representatives, met the Committees of the .Miners and of tho Trade Union Congress, and, after a brief sitting of the latter committee, the Coal Conference adjourned til! later in the evening. It is now stated that the owners will submit new proposals to the Premier, after which he will again confer with the Joint Committee of the Trade Union Congress, and the .Miners’ Executive. It is undersood that the .Miners’ Executive have definitely rejected the owners’ eight hour day proposal. It is understood that the (piestion which the Premier discussed with the coni owners, as an immediate issue, was the suspension of the employee notices.

It is reported that the Premier indicated that ho was prepared to consider an extension of State financial assistance for a few days, in order l<: give further time for negotiations, provided that tho owners suspended their notices.

LONDON, April 30. Tho outlook this morning is of- the blackest. The country is faced with a complete stoppage on the coal fields, with over one million workers idle. As a matter of fact tho night shift finished this morning, and to-day’s day shift will lie the last, unless the men receive an instruction to the contrary from the .Miners' Federation. As usual with, negotiations driver, to the eleventh hour, all depends upon to-day’s happenings. It is understood that yesterday’s discussions ranged round the following alternatives:— Firstly: A national minimum percentage above tho 1914 rate of wages, based on the existing seven-hours day. which, admittedly, would involve a considerable reduction in wages. .Secondly: A higher minimum, based on ail eight hours day, which, would make wages, in most districts, equal to the present scale. Tho existing minimum percentage is thirty-three and one-third above the 1914 rates. The miners have refused absolutely, so far, to consider the lengthening of tho seven-hours day, which was only secured by them by an Act of Parliajuen, after a long struggle. A member of tlie Trade Union Committee told tho “Daily Telegraph - ' there is no hope whatever of « settlement. Moreover, he did not believe that there would even be a suspension of the owners’ notices, ending the agreement. In fact, forty thousand

men had already finished their duties. ■*'-> and had brought their tools to their pithead. The Premier, ho said, had told them that, apart from an eight-hour-day, there was no wage that he could submit with any hope ol its acceptance. Tho “Daily Herald” editorially remarks: “Mr Baldwin has not reached the heart of tho matter, ire has al- ». lowed tlie owners to concentrate on ' wages and hours, and has allowed the essential point of the reorganisation of the industry to fall into the background. The miners must not tie made to pay for the owners’ m ism nun cement.”