LABOUR UPHEAVAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1926, Page 2

LABOUR UPHEAVAL.

COAL STRIKE BECINS. [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, April 30. Tho miners rejected the owners revis. ed offer. LONDON, April 30. The coal conferences have all failed. A stoppage at mid-night to-night appears, now to be certain. LONDON, May 1. The strike has begun. . LONDON, -May 1. Following the decision for a general strike, the King proclaimed that tt state of emergency exists. The whole trade union movement is behind the miners. The King arrived from Windsor and attended a Privy Council lit lUickingham Palac-c. FRIDAY'S ANXIOUS MEETINCS. LONDON, May 1. The coal situation was critical all day long on Friday. The Prime Minister asked the milters to be at his room at the House of Commons at 10.30 in the morning. The miners were still awaiting him there at noon, he being meantime still engaged at Downing St. negotiating with tho- Coalowncrs’ Committee, who made their revised offer. Il is understood that their otler was based on an eight hours’ day, at a siiglniy reduced wage. There was meanwhile, a httrriedTyconveued meeting of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress. This intensified the expectancy "of the dramatic development. The meeting lasted for an hour.

Suhscqcunt to this, fifteen hundred delegates to the Conference of tho Affiliated Unions assembled, awaiting the outcome of tho conversations between Air Baldwin and the milters at the House of Commons. It was expected that a statement would be made in the Commons at four in tlie afternoon, but the House adjourned without any statement being made, Afr Baldwin having left the miners engaged in considering the owners’ proposals. The belief that a general strike was inevitable was strengthened when it was unofficially announced that the miners had rejected the owners’ revised offer, and it was learned that a special Cabinet meeting had been summoned late in the afternoon, while arrangements wore being made to bring the whole of the miners’ delegates and the Executives of two hundred Unions affiliated with the Trades Union Congress.

The negotiations broke down because the miners finally refused to accept a reduction ill their wage, at tho 1921 rate, before there is any re-organisa-tion of the industry. Tlie owners offered a uniform nation-

al minimum of twenty per cent over the standard, namely the same percentage as in the year 3921 settlement. This offer was nmcle on the basis of the eight hour day, because tbe opinion was held that in view of tlie poor state of the exporting districts, it would otherwise he impossible to offer an acceptable uniform national minimum.

The Government, in conveying tilts offer to the trades unionists, guaranteed the carrying out of the BoyalCoal Commission’s reorganisation proposal. The trade unionists replied, expressing their willingness to co-operate with the Government in instituting such a re-organisation but declaring that until reorganisation brought the industry to greater prosperity, the miners should not he called upon to surrender any of their present inadequate wages or conditions’.

Tlie Government then inquired whether, if the owners suspended their notices i the owners would accept the rerommendation of the Royal Commission that, while reorganisation should proceed, the miners should consent to a reduction of their wages in tbe meantime.

The miners replied that they were not prepared to accept a reduction of wages ns a preliminary to a reorganisation of the industry, hut they were prepared fully to consider all the difficulties of tlie industry when the Government initiated its schemes of reorganisation.

.The Government, finally, offered that if the miners accepted the report of the Royal Commission, including the wages recommendation, to establish an Advisory Committee on which' the miners and the owners would he represented. to advise the Minister of Afincs as to the reorganisation of the industry.

The miners’ leader, in reply to this, made it clear that he would not accept any reduction of wages, so the negotiations then terminated at 11.30.

THE NEGOTIATIONS. LONDON, May 1

Correspondence that passed between the Prime Alinisters and the miners yesterday shows that, in submitting the owners’ new offer of terms, Air Baldwin reiterated the promise that he made the miners on the previous day that the existing seven hour day would remain on the Statute Book and that only temporary legislation would he used to promise the owners the additional hours for which they asked. Air Baldwin stated also that the Government would establish a commission not later than the end of the year 11)29 to advise as to wehthcr, as the result of a reorganisation of the industry, or of better trade, or of both conditions j the coal industry had then improved to such an extent as to justify a reversion to the seven hours.

The miners, in the course of their reply to the Prime Alinister, pointed out that his proposal to increase the hours of work was contrary to the findings ol the Coal Commission itself.

It is reported that Air Baldwin yesterday said : “ 1 am quite sure that if we fail to agree, we shall all be heavily blamed by the country. There are times when a movement of this kind is favoured, hut I do not believe that such a feeling exists to-day. The hope that all would emerge from this struggle with credit is gone, and we perhaps are a bit ashamed of ourselves."

LONDON, ALay 1. In rejecting the owners’ offer the miners said that they regretted that though the Coal Commission’s report was issued on the sixth of Alareh, the owners had only submitted their proposal as late as the 30th of April at 1.15 o’clock in Hie afternoon, when two-thirds of the mine workers were already locked out.

The miners added that seven hours per shift were sufficient time in which to supply all tlie coal for which any market could he found, and were also as long as a man should pursue the dangerous and anxious calling of coal mining.

I lie I rades Union delegates, after hearing Air J. H. Thomas, ALP., and other speakers, adjourned early in the morning until noon. Air Thomas, who was pale and tired, dramatically declared that never had the Government made such a blunder. He stressed the lact that the first definite, concrete national proposal was submitted only yesterday afternoon, though it was nearly eight months since the Coal Commission was constituted.

Air Ramsay MacDonald .said that the Government has decided to fight tlie peoples’ standard of living. He believed that they would have got peace last evening. The decision of the Government to break off the negotiations was a crime against society.

It was unnecessary and it was a wicked t criminal fight. Tho whole question would bo raised in the House of Commons on Alonday. They were standing by the miners, but were still hoping that something would happen before then to enable the workers to continue work. A GENERAL STRIKE. LONDON, Afay 1. The Trades Union Conference declared in favour of a general strike at mid-night on Alonday. The conference intends to make volunteer arrangements to feed tlie; people. LONDON, May 1. The Alinistry of Health has circulated the local authorities, stating: "In the event of a national coal stoppage, tho Government consider it necessary that part of the Organisation already arranged to cope with the emergency should be set ill readiness to operate. Accordingly the Alinistry transmits the lists of the Civil Commissioners and Divisional Staffs, which are to be established on the issue of a proclamation necessary in the national interests.” The circular adds: “ If the stoppage is confined to the coal industry, it is hoped that it will not be necessary to expand this emergency organisation extensively, or to call on recruits, to assist in maintaining essential services, but. in the event of the stoppage of other industries, affecting such services, it is hoped that the local authorities will co-operate to the fullest with the Volunteer Service Committees.” LONDON, May 1. Tlie Government as a precautionary measure, has moved detachments of troops into South Wales, Lancashire and Scotland.

GOVEItNMENT PLANS. LONDON, Afay 1. Never has a strike occurred when all the parties have been so prepared for eventualities. The Government plans are cut and dried and they we now beginning to operate. The country has been divided into ten areas. Each controlled by a Civil Commissioner, who has drastic powers to make decisions concerning food supplies, transport, coal distribution and post office communications. The gas, electricity and railway companies have been storing coal for months past. It is estimated that they possess several months’ suppjlv. There also are ten or twelve million tons of coal lying at tlie pits’ mouths, or in the course of transit. A census of the commercial vehicles shows that over two hundred thousand are at the Government’s disposal. CH A All JER GAIN’S SPEECH. LONDON, A lay 1. There was a demonstration of women unionists at the Albert Hall. Sir Austen Chamberlain (Foreign Alinister) delivered a speech on the foreign and tho coal situation. Tlie meeting closed with the audience standing in silent prayer for several minutes, and tlie organ played the National Anthem. LABOUR’S DISCIPLINE. LONDON, Alay 1. A memorandum issued by the Trade Union Congress says that tho trades involved in the strike will include all forms of transport, the printing trades (including the press), the iron, steel, chemicals and building works trades (except those employed on housing or 7-“ p hospital work) and the electricity and gas trades, but tlie sanitary services will be continued. There will be no interference with the health or tho food services.

The meniordanum prescribes regulations for trade union discipline. It do. dares that anyone found inciting the workers to riot must bo dealt with ixumediately. _

The Chairman of the Trades Union Conference said that the trade unionist* fully supporting the Council’s policy number 3,053,527 and those who negatived the policy are only 49,911. Air Bovin expressed the Council’s appreciation of the proposal for action, which were not submitted until tho Emergency Powers Act was signed.

He said: “ AVe did not declare war on 'the community. The war was declared bv the Government. AVe are selecting certain vital trades to bear the brunt- of tlie contest. There must be no argument as to who shall remain in and who shall come out. You must take and obey orders. Any members told to operate the volunteer services mutt not bo interfered with.

Then came disaster, swift and alarming. The mast struck the electric wires carrying the current along the bench to Alount Maunganui. Immediately the vessel was a mass of sparks, and she appeared to be afire from stem to stern.

Jury, who was forward at tlie time, was stunned and knocked overboard. Black, who was astern, as also stunned, and was thrown across the iron fittings of the launch, and was burned through his clothing, and the current came into contact with his body. Hayes who was in the cockpit, was also rendered unconscious.

I lie launch then sheered off temporarily from the wires, and Black managed sufficiently to recover to scramble into a flat-bottomed dinghy. He dragged Hayes from the launch, and then picked up Jury, who was still in the water. All throe men were still in a dazed 'condition, and were blown on to the beach in the boat. Several Maoris were on the beach waiting, they having noticed the commotion when the launch touched the wires, and they helped the men ashore. The men were provided with dry clothing, and came to town this morning. The launch finally got clear of the wires, and she drifted down the harbour, and burnt ■until about 11.30, when she was still afire. She was practically gutted; the owners estimating their loss at about £.500.

OUTLOOK A’FRY BLACK. (Received this day at 9.0 a.m.) LONDON, May 1. A Conference of the executives of the Unions Affiliated to tlie Trado Union Congress met in London secretly to discuss the policy to support the miners. A resolution submitted provides an embargo on handling coal, especially imported coal at docks. It does not contemplate a general strike Jt at this stage. Delegates believed nego- * tiations would he reopened. The miners’ delegates previously met and deei- - ded to leave the conduct of matters in the bonds of tlie Council of Trade Union Congress. Reports from the coal fields indicate there is a general cessation of work. Everything is orderly. The miners are gloomy hut determined. Orders were received at South AA T ales ports to suspend the export of coal. Ships which have already sailed were ordered by wireless to return. This is an indication that all coal in the country is under the control of the Gevernment. The trade unions offer to maintain the distribution of essential foodstuffs. LONDON Alay 2. “ Keep steady, remember that peace "x on earth comes to men of goodwill,” was the message Mr Baldwin wirelessly broadcasted to the nation last evening. Tlie Premier’s use of this medium of comunication is interesting, in view of the reported intention of tlie Government to commandeer to British Broadcasting Company in the event of closing down. Tlie press are referring to this suggested possibility. An official statement issued at the close of a long sitting says the Trade

Union Congress is arranging direct, communication with officials of trade unions whereto all authoritative reports and announcements will ho made direct, and warns trade unionists to take no notice of any statement that may he hroadcaslcd wirelessly or circulated in any other form. LONDON, May 2.

There is a possibility of important developments in the crisis. Last evening on the invitation of the Premier, the Trade Union Congress Negotiation Committee lengthily conferred with the Premier am] members of the Cabinet. It is understood that during the course of the meeting Trade Union Congress representatives stated that if they resume negotiations immediately there was a prospect that when the general strike due to begin at mid-night on Monday, the threat would not be carried out. Congress representatives, it is understood, contend that owing to the lateness of the owners’ offer presented them on Friday evening, there was no time for real negotiations thereon. STILL NEGOTIATING. (Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) LONDON, May 2. A meeting of the Premier and members of Trade Unions adjourned at 1.30 this morning after a five hours’ sitting. Mr J. H. 'Thomas, in an official announcement to the press, did not reveal the subject matter of discussions, hut he said that the matter would be adjourned. He hoped for further negotiations to-day. The Deputy-Chief Civil Commissioner has issued restrictions regarding the supplies of coal to private houses and industrial business prohibiting the use of lights for display and advertisement enjoying the strictest economy on gas and electricity. Contravemnent of tho directions will he punishable by imprisonment or fine.

GERMAN MOVE. BERLIN, May 2. Sehreidor, (Minister of Trade) told tho Prussian Diet that the English coal subsidy had caused squandering. Coal was selling at cost price, resulting in thirty-eight Ruhr mines being closed, idling tons of thousands. Ho added that German mining must ho saved from tho results of tho English subsidy. The “Daily Mail" interprets this declaration to mean that Germany is considering the banning of British imports, in the event of a continuance of tho subsidy. LLOYD GEORGE’S APPEAL. LONDON, May 2. Mr Lloyd George in a speech at Cambridge, referring to the coal trouble said:—“There has been tho same perfunctory, dilatory, diplomacy, and the same ineffectual, leisurely negotiations which led to the Great War. If Ims been all talk and no tackling.” He appealed to everyone to support the State, which must come first and last all the time. CR ICKET, BUT NOT If ACT NO , LONDON, May 2. The “Daily Dispatch” understands the Government is'anxious that cricket should continue, but racing automatically ceases. IMPORT ANT MEETINGS. LONDON, May 2. The usual Sunday calm was varied by a succession of meetings of political and labour leaders, striving to effect a settlement. This morning a ninety minute Cabinet Council was held. Meanwhile tho General Council of tho Trades Union Congress is sitting at headquarters. A HOPE EXPRESSED. LONDON, May 2. That labour negotiations have been .summoned at Downing Street is believed to indicate that a basis of negotiations has been found.

FOR LAW AND ORDER, {Received this dav at 11.0 a.rti.) LONDON, May 2. Sir Joynson-Hicks responding to tiio toast of the Ministry at an academy banquet appealed to the common sense and humanity of tlie people not to engage in internecine strife, but if thero was to be an economic dispute he hoped it would not widen its borders to a political dispute. The Government would carry out with unflinching determination its obligations to preserve the life of the people, law and order, with he believed, the assent and co-opera-tion of all loyal men. FRENCH VIEW OF STRIKE. (Received this day at 1.5 p.mA PARIS, Feb. 18. The Press regards the threatened geneiul strike as the most formidable social struggle in Britain's history. It is recognised there must be inevitable repercussions in France and other countries, in view of tho international linking up of Labour forces. The Communist paper “Humanite” expressed the opinion that if British Labour forms a single front, it must be taken as tho signal of the renaissance of the dawn of a victorious labour offensive throughout Europe, but ft compromise settlement will throw back the continental labour movemen, causing a painful period in the post war of history. CHURCH SERVICES. LONDON, April 9. Practically all the churches throughout tho country devoted their services to the coal strike, with special sermons land prayers, and concluding in most cases with the National Anthem. LATEST NEWS. LONDON, May 2. The first stage of the Government's scheme for dealing with the emergency is now completed. All ten district commissioners have arrived at their posts throughout the country and are carrying out arrangements. It is officially stated that food conditions are normal. Thero is no need for public anxiety or panic. The Trades Union Congress remained in session throughout the day and conferred with the railwaymen’s leaders regarding the running of food and milk trains, which they are prepared to carry on in the event of a stoppage. GERMAN COMMUNISTS. BERLIN, May 2.

Communists received the news of the British stoppage with cheers and carried a resolution to support the miners.