COAL NEGOTIATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1926, Page 3

COAL NEGOTIATIONS

, WHY STRIKE FAILED. [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, May 20. I Mr Wheatley (the Glasgow Labour ( M.P.), who formerly was Minister of Health, bitterly attacked the Trades Union Council in a newspaper article. Mr Wheatley declares: “The workers have sustained a smashing reverse, but it has not boon inflicted by the bosses, nor was it due to the workers’ own weakness. It is a most astonishing result of a magnificent effort, which will rank as the greatest and worst-bungled strike in history. When everything is straightened out it doubtless will Iho found that cowardice has chiefly been resonpsihlc for the dreadful debacle. From the first moment of the struggle, and even before it, Labour leaders were whining and grovelling. The rod tragedy was that in its hour of trial, the Labour Movement was deserted by those whom it trusted most.” LOADON. May 20. It is unlikely that London will be affected by the coal stoppage to any serious extent for at least two months. The essential industries have large coal reserves, though they are stringently safeguarding them. Drastic train cuts are being made, and the economising is also reflected in the streets, where the electric signs have been cut off, and a minimum of street lighting is being used, while the large stores’ windows are in darkness. LONDON, May 21. ft is clear from Mr Churchill's review in the House of Commons that the future prosperity of file country depends upon ail early solution of the coal deadlock. The outcome of today’s conference was distinctly unfavourable. Not only the miners, but the owners, object to the Government’s terms. Meanwhile, Mr Baldwin is icmaining at Downing Street, ready to meet either side. MR. BALDWIN’S FAILURE. LONDON. May 2.1. The Cabinet till Into at night lengthilv considered the coal deadlock.

The “Daily Express” understands it was decided that no further steps wore possible immediately. The Cabinet members expressed the opinion Unit the deadlock was bound to continue for some time.

It was considered impossible, if the situation were bundled by the present negotiators, to impose u settlement, without taking control of the mines. The “Daily Herald" understands that the miners have sent a letter to the Railway Unions on the subject of handling coal.

In an editorial, the “Daily Herald” si'.ys: “Let Mr Baldwin test the issue by a general election!” It asks, “Does he dare?” THE RAILWAY MEN. LONDON. May 21. The “Morning Post’s” Labour correspondent says: The Railwaymen’s Unions have •hitherto taken a strong line against short time, but this attitude Ris changed after the strike. Yesterday the leaders interviewed xlte railway managers, and suggested short time until trade is fully restored. The railway men cannot go on the dole, as they have contracted out of the Unemployment Insurance Acts, so i:ill their claims will fall on their unions, with their funds depleted by the strike. .Short time will save the Union funds. The leaders want as many workers as possible to be taken back, even if only on half time.

GERAIAN HELL’. LONDON, Alay 21. The steps which the German miners are taking to help the British Alincrs are indicated in a telegram from the Secretary of tho German Miners’ Federation, received by Air Frank Hodges, stating that a conference of miners in Germany passed a resolution promising tho miners of Groat Britain the greatest possiblo help, by carrying out the international resolutions already passed. German miners must refuse to work overtime in order to prevent the export of coal to Britain, and also contribute as much money as possible to help the British miners, The telegram states tli'at the British struggle must be a stcpi forward for international control of tho coal trade.