COAL NEGOTIATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1926, Page 2

COAL NEGOTIATIONS

[Australian <fc N.Z. Cable Association.] AIINERS DECLARATION: LONDON, May 23. An important declaration regarding the proposal for a reduction of miners wages was made by Air Herbert Smith (President of the Miners Federation), lie said.—“ Close the uneconomic pits and fix your selling price for inland coal so that it will pay tin economic wage. Let the owners, workers and public have a voice an fixing that selling price, and then if there has to be a reduction of wages, I will face the position.” Smith Irtd previously emphatically declared he would not agree to compulosry arbitration on an extension of hours. t • NO CHANGE YET. LONDON, Afny 23. The coal situation underwent no change during the week-end, though""' well informed people arc inclined to __ take the view that Mr Baldwin’s outspokenness will produce an effect in the present grave situation before many days. In this connection the Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent stresses the intimation that the withdrawal of tlie offer of financial . aid is regarded as of tlie greatest importance. There is a feeling that the deadlock cannot be allowed to continue, except at a risk of losing the grant. Hope is entertained that responsible men of industry will, without j further loss of time, face tlie realities ~- of the situation, and nppl.r themselves to a settlement in a spirit of determination. AD 7 Baldwin lias left the door wide open, and.it will be surprising if a new move is not speedily made. .The suggestion'that a settlement should he imposed by means of legislation is regarded in political circles as a poor substitute'for a mutual agreement based on the full frank appreciation of the economic conditions of the industry. COOK SPEAKS OUT. LONDON, May 23. A bitte! 1 attack, especially oil political leaders, was made by Air Cook, the Alincrs’ Secretary, when speaking at Rhondda Valley. He declared that the miners’ lenders had never been bullied by the employers 01 7 tlie Government to tiie extent they were bullied by certain trade union leaders to accept a reduction in wages. He charges tile Trade Union Congress with discussing the miners’ ease with the Premier before the strike took place, and in the miners’ absence. Facing them alone, he told them in 110 uncertain language wlirit ho thought of them. The railwnynien's loader was loft with the minors, and pleaded with, the T.U.C. not to call off the General Strike until all the workers could resume. Air Thomas, sneeringly said: “Alind your y own, business.” "

WOMEN-AND CHILDREN SUFFER. LONDON, Atay 23. Stories from the coalfields show the tragedy for women and children is becoming very real. Half a million sterling is needed weekly to provide food and milk. One statement points out that it is impossible to exaggerate tlie immediate needs of the coalfields. The miners say they 7 are fighting with no fear of starvation, but the actual presence of hunger is established. If no money is raised this week, tlie plight of the mothers and babies will be terrible for imagination. One organisation appeal, sets out that evoil if WO believe that the miners are wrong, ffF cannot allow the women and children to starve in our midst. The correspondents of various newspapers, who are touring the districts, say that everywhere there is gloom and desolation.