COAL STRIKE.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1926, Page 2

COAL STRIKE.

ENGLAND IN THE THROES. BBTH SIDES DETERMINED. ATTEMPT TO MUZZLE PRESS. NEGOTIATIONS BREAK DOWN. CABINET ANNOUNCEMENT [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] LjONDON, Alay 2. The unexpected recall of tho mining leaders to London at midnight to see Air Blddwin gave hopes of a settlement, but the Cabinet finally broke up at 12.30 and then it was officially announced that the negotiations to avert a oeneral strike bad broken down. LONDON, Alay 3. The General Council of the Trades Union Congress litis sent a letter to Air Baldwin, expressing tlieir surprise and regret at the Government’s decision to terminate the discussion, and declaring that the public will judge the nature of the Government’s intentions by its precipitate and calamitous Government’s ultimatum.

The Congress deplores that the sincere work wherein the Council has been engaged to obtain an honourable settlement has been wrecked by the Government’s ulitmatum. The Government lias issued a statement giving reasons for the breakdown. It declares:—“Overt acts have already occurred, including the interference with the freedom of the l’ress, involving a challenge to tlic nation’s constitutional rights, and before any continuance of negotiations, the Government- demands that tho T.V. Congress shall repudiate those actions immediately, and unconditionally, and shLll withdraw all instructions as to a general strike.”

CABINET S ULTIMATUM. LONDON. Afay 3

An official statement was issued from Downing Street at one o’clock this morning. It says: The following decision of the Government has been conveyed to Air Pugh, the Chairman of the Trades Union Congress committee : “The Government believe that no solution of the difficulties in the cold industry which is both practicable and honourable to all concerned can ho reached, except by a sincere acceptance of the report of the Coal Commission. 111 the expression of the report is included both the reorganisation of tho industry, which should he put in hand immediately, and pending the results of the reorganisation being attended, such an interim adjustment of wages or the hours of work as to make it economically possible to carry on the industry meantime. If the miners, or the Trade Union Congress Committee, on tlieir behalf, were prepared to say plainly tlwt they accept this proposal, the Government could have been ready to resume negotiations, and could continue the subsidy for a fortnight, but since the discussions between tho Ministers and the members of the Trade Union Congress Committee, it has come to the knowledge of the Government, not only that a specific instruction has been sent, under the authority of the Executives of the Trade Unions represented at the Conference convened by the General Council of tho Trade Union Congress, asking tlieir members in sc vend of the most vital industries and services in the country to carry out a general strike on ’Thursday next, hut that overt acts have already occurred, including gross interference "with the freedom of the Press. Such action involves a challenge to the constitutional rights and freedom of the nation. The Government, therefore, before it can continue negotiations, must require from tho Trade Union Congress both a repudiation of the acts referred to that already have occurred, and an immediate unconditional withdrawal of instruction for a general strike.”

LABOUR STATEMENT. LONDON. May 2

The Trades Union Congress dealing with' the Government’s fill’st reason for breaking off negotiations, namely, that specific instructions were sent to trade unionists in several industries and services to cease work, says: It is not unusual for workmen to cease work in defence of their interests as wage earners, and tlic specific reason for the decision, in this case was to secure for the workers the same right as the employers insist upon with tlieir workers, namely, that the negotiations shall he conduced free from the atmosphere of a strike or lock-out.

The T.U.. Council disdains any knowledge of any overt acts, including any interference with tho liberty of the press.

It says that, the decisions of the T.U. Council definitely forbid any such independent, unauthorised action. It also regrets that it lias not been given any opportunity for investigation, and for dealing with any alleged incidents before the Government made them tlieir excuse for breaking the peace discussions.

MIXERS’ OFFER, LONDON. May 3. . On Sunday night, the General Conn cil of the Trade Union Congress issuec a manifesto declaring: “Even now an honourable settle ment can he reached, but the Govern ment’s demand that the miners’ lead ers filial) consent, in advance, for tin negotiations to lie on a reduction ol wages, must lie withdrawn. The eon owners’ notices to tho men at the mines, silso must tie withdrawn", to allow the negotiations to proceed without the issue being, prejudiced.” The manifesto concludes: “There is not a shadow of reason why the miners should ho locked out, or why the grave decision for a stoppage should lie allowed to take effect. If it docs the responsibility will lie with tlie Government end with the owners.” MR BALDWIN’S DUTY. LONDON, May 2. The Labour paper, tlie “Daily Herald,” in an editorial, says: “Mr Baldwin appeals for goodwill. Let him set tlie example, and let him cease to lie tlie tool of Big Business, in its .attempt to lower the standard of life of the mases. There is a chance yet to avoid war! Let him get hack to the consideration of the Coal Commission report. Let him initiate a foursided discussion by the Trade Union Congress, tlie Ministers, the coal owners, and tlie Government, and let him cease his foolish incitements by tlie moving of troops and tlie emergency machinery, which is not required, seeing that tlie Trade Unions have guaranteed tlie food supplies. On 1 hese lines, we can hope to have peace!” THE “DAILY MAIL” MUZZLED. LONDON. May 3. The “Daily Mail” is not publishing to-day. This is owing to the printers on the paper refusing to permit tlie publication of the leading article, which is one calling “on all lawabiding citizens to hold themselves for service of tlie King and country.” LONDON, May 3.

The ‘Daily Mail’s” tabooed leader was entitled “For King and Country.” The Society of Operative Printers demanded that the article should be altered. The editor refused to comply. Some unionists, including the eom-

positors, process workers, tho tolegrapliists, decided that it was not within their province to discuss the newspaper’s policy, and so resolved to carry on, hut the printers, the machine managers, the stereotypers, and tho packers, all ceased work . ' Tho article pointed out that a general strike was not an industrial dispute, but a revolutionary movement. It said it was intended to inflict suffering on a great mass of innocent persons, and thereby put forcible constraints upon tho Government, and such a movement could not he tolerated by a civilised government. Tho newspapers generally point out that a general strike is not a new experiment. It has been tried, hut they say, lias always failed. The papers are emphasising that four million trade unionists arc arraying themselves against more than forty million of the general community.

“TIMES” ON THE CRISIS. LONDON, May 3

The “Times,” in a leading article, says“ Unless counselled reason prevail, the country is faced with . the - gravest domestic menace since the fall of the Stuarts. It is incredible that the leaders really have considered the nature of the consequences of a strike. Otherwise, they would not support so manifestly disastrous a step. They claim to speak on behalf ot three and a half millions, hut admittedly only a fraction have been consulted on the issue. Tho leaders abrogate to themselves the right to inflict incalculable injury 011 the entire nation and the Empire. It will tie a ruinous blow to a revival of British credit, bringing loss and pvoerty to innocent millions. Tho men’s leaders sincerely state they are not declaring war on the people, but this assertion will not stand test facts. PRINTERS ACTION. LONDON, Alav 3. The “Daily Herald” says: “In all the newspaper offices, the printers are watching closely what is being said about the crisis.” LONDON, May 2. Tho “Organisation For the Alaintenance of Supplies,” which is a nonpolitical, voluntary organisation, whose formation a few months ago aroused intense Labour opposition, has sent an appeal for reproduction in several of the Sunday papers in London, but the mechanical staffs at most of the p.apci offices have refused to print it. so it has appeared in only two of the Sunday papers, and in these it was published only after a considerable modification. The “Daily .Herald” (the Labour paper) says: “The ‘O.ALS.’ tried to have the document printed on Friday in tho shape of handbills ,as an appeal to tho public. It was set up in type, but the mnehinsits refused to print it. and the firm which* had the job in hand could no fulfill the order.”

SHOPKEEPER'S MISCALCULATE LONDON, May 3.

The coal crisis unfortunately coincides with an “All British Shopping Week,” opening on May 3rd, for which hundreds of shops throughout England have been lately specialising in Empire products', including ten and a half miles of shop windows in London specially dressed. The organisers of the week are nevertheless of tho opinion that everyone will do their best to support the shopkeepers’ venture. MILITARY FORCES ACTIVE. LONDON, May 2. 111 the event of a general stoppage, the Air Force, with large bomber planes, will carry the mails and also important packages. Smaller machines will lie used to transport the Cabinet Ministers and tlic officials, and they will also patrol over the railways and over the bridges. There has boon considerable activity to-day at the Naval ports and at the military garrisons. All leave has been cancelled. The troops have already reached several of the mining areas. A battalion of the Cheshire Regiment has arrived at Cardiff, hut no troops are to be moved on the coalfields unless an emergency arises. The Atlantic Fleet which is due to leave Portsmouth on Tuesday for tho summer exercises, is awaiting the Admiralty’s orders. STOCK EXCHANGE CLOSES. LONDON, May 3. The “Financial News” says it is expected the Stock Exchange will ho closed to-day for the duration of the strike in order to avoid a demobilisation of the markets. VOLUNTEERS ENLISTED. LONDON, May 2. Though the Government has not issued a call for volunteers, it has opened up registration offices for volunteers in the war time huts. At the Foreign Office quadrangle, hundreds of men and women of all ages and classes lined up in queues of eager volunteers. HYDE PARK SKIRMISHES. LONDON, May 3. Two Communists and three of tho British Fascisti were arrested at Hyde Park after a series of day-long skirmishes between the factions. The police drew their batons and called up mounted constables to. disperse the crowd who were trying to rescue tho arrested Communists. LONDON, May 3. Hyde Park is being closed at midnight. It is for the purpose of assembling lorries in connection with distribution of milk in London areas. The price of milk has increased from 6d to 8d a gallon. If it is necessary to use road transport, arrangements are made to call up special constables.

RAILWAYMEN COMING OUT. LONDON, May 3. The railway companies received notices terminating employment tomorrow. LONDON, May 3. Tt is understood the railway' employees will cease work at tlie end of tlie night’s service this evening. Tlie trams and buses will not lie worked on Tuesday. The Great Western Railway Company has appealed to its employees, asking them not to break their contracts by striking without notice. LONDON, May 3. Tlie Great Western Railway Company lias appealed to its employees to remain loyal to tlie company and stay at work, and to let the mining industry settle its disputes directly. COAL SHORTAGE STOPS WORKS. LONDON, May 3. Already tlie effects of tlie strike are showing. Three big iron works at Motherwell, Glasgow, have closed, owing to a coal shortage. Other works are following immediately. The British Advertising convention has abandoned after one thousand delegates had gathered at Blackpool, owing to a fear of railway disturbance. GERMAN WORKERS. BERLIN, May 2. The leaders of the German Socialist and Communist Parties are urging the German miners to do their utmost to help their British colleagues. They express tlie opinion that they will be able to prevent tlie direct transport of coal from the Ruhr region to Britain, and they are negotiating with the Dutch Labour Unions with a view of preventing any German coal from reaching Britain by way of Holland,

Tlio development in the British coal dispute are being watched in Germany with interest.

The German mine owners, who recently have been suffering from the British coal competition, are pleased at the prospect of regaining their old share in the world’s coal trade, which was wrested from thorn by the British coal companies. GOVERNMENT’S LAST OFFER. LONDON, May 1. Correspondence between the Prime Minister and the miners yesterday shows that in submitting the owners’ offer Mr Baldwin reiterated the promise made on tho previous day that the existing seven-hour day would remain on tho Statute Book, and that only temporary legislation would be used to provide additional hours, also that the Government would establish a Commission not later than December 31st., 1926; to advise whether, as a result of reorganisation or better trade, or both, conditions of the coal industry had improved to such an extent as to justify a. reversion to the seven hours’ day. The miners’ in the course of their reply, pointed out that the proposal to increase the hours was contrary to the findings of the Commission. BERLIN REPORT. BERLIN, May 3. Four leading Bolsheviks, which the Third International employs, as experts in British affairs, are going to England, under assumed names, intending to assume control of the British Communists.

CROWD RUSH CHURCHILL. [Reuter Telegrams.] (Received this day at 12.30 p.m.l LONDON. May 3. Hon W. Churchill was walking from Downing Street to Whitehall when a crowd which the police were keeping back on the opposite side of Whitehall rushed across and hemmed Mr Churchill in. A number of police had to be brought from Downing Street to clear the way for him. Eventually -Mr Churchill was compelled to take refugo in the Home Office. Meanwhle. a queue, a thousand strong, was Tilling the Foreign Office quadrangle waiting to sign on as volunteers to help the Government. SPECIAL CONSTABI.ES. Special constables have been ordered to report at the London Station. Tho Broadcasting Company is functioning for tho issue of official communications, which the Government may decide to broadcast. The Government announced it is considering tho important question of supplying the public with news in the newspapers for the meantime. There will be broadcasting of news five times at fixed hours to-morrow. Tho Postmaster-General notifies no foreign or colonial parcels will bo accepted, while inland packages are restricted to a maximum of eight ounces. No parcels will be delivered within tho London postal area-. The public are urged to economise in the use of telephones, telegraphs and postal services. PRICES STABILISED.

A Board of Trade order establishes a milk pool in London. The provision exchange agreed that last Friday’s market prices will be made the medium prices until further notice. A Government spokesman addressed pressmen at noon and reported news from, the country was eminently satis-

factory, no excitement and everything

normal. Offers of services are pouring in throughout the country. Foods stocks are normal on the whole and in many eases above the average. The Stock Exchange is disorganised, practically no business doing and prices are precautionary marked down, but there is rio pressure to sell.

SITTINGS OF.COMMONS. r THANKS TO KING. LONDON, May 3. To-day’s sitting of the House of Commons opened with the customary question though a tenseness in the atmosphere was apparent. There was cheering and counter cheering and laughter as the leaders entered. Colonel Ashley announced the Ministry of Transport had arranged a service of motor cans to convey Commoners to and from Parliament. Mr Baldwin at the end of questions presented a message from the King declaring a state of emergency and moved that a humble address be presented to His Majesty, thanking him for the message. Labourites insisted upon a division and the address was carried liv 308 to 108. ITALIAN VIEW. (Received this day at 11.0 a.m.) ROME, May 3. The press is unanimously sending up n hymn of thanksgiving that Mussolini has delivered Italy from a wasteful strike like England’s. One journal says, “We have no desire to export Fascism, but every day furnishes proof that other countries are looking to Fascism, to deliver them from crises into which various liberal regimes have plunged them.”

NEGOTIATIONS FAIL. LONDON, May 3.

Tho Trade Union Congress lias issued a statement that it is satisfied that a basis of settlement can be reached, if negotiations aro resumed. Cabinet received the Trade Union negotiations later in the evening but tho negotiations failed'.-