COAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 June 1926, Page 2

COAL CRISIS

DEBATE IN COMMONS

Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

LONDON, June 1. The coal debate was initiated in the House of Commons by Air R. AlacDonald, who emphasised the fact that tho situation was fraught with grave national peril. Tile. House must endeavour to make some practical contribution to the solution. He criticised the Government’s handling of the crisis, especially the withdrawal ot tho .Subsidy. He declared that money must be. found to put tHe Coal Industry on its legs. A problem which future Governments would have to face, would he that the only complete form of coordination of the. coal pits was Nationalisation.

Lloyd George urged the Government to introduce, forthwith, legislation for the reconstruction' of the Coal Industry. Mr Baldwin said that lie was willing to resume coal negotiations at any moment; but he was not willing to pledge the taxpayers’, money Indefinitely to this one industry, nor would ho bo forced by the stoppage to take political control of the mines. Whatever settlement was ultimately reached, probably some Government assistance would bo necessary. ihe Government was prepared to do that; but pending a settlement, lie was nnMble to say what Hie form, or amount of the assistance would be. No Government could compel a settlement; but the moment there was the first glimmer of a temper for negotiations, the Government would do its best to assuage the differences and asperities, Nee fair play, and undertake any necessary legislation. Primarily, the iuture depended c.u the statesmanship of the two parties to dispute, for ro force imposed on the reluctant men could bring a lasting peace . LONDON, June I.

Air Cook- discredits the rumoured pence moves so far as the miners are concerned.

Tho “Daily Telegraph” states that unless the coal strike is settled, the Ascot meeting is unlikely to take place. It is even possible the racing will step. It is understood that He Government proposes placing ail embargo on all petrol. A At END AIENTDEFEATED. LONDON, June I. The Labour amendment to reduce the Ministry of Alines’ vote, on which tho debate arose, was defeated by 202 to 108. Air Snowden said that lie had never listened to a speech with such hopelessness and despair as when lie heard the Premier. Air Snowdon expressed the opinion that the only solution of the deadlock was action by the Government itsell.

DEBATE IN COMMONS. LONDON, June 2. In the House of Commons, when Sir IV. Joynson Hicks formally moved, a motion of address thanking the King for his message announcing the state of emergency, the Speaker stated that he had received an amendment which he thought was nut of order. Air lb MacDonnld: “What- are its terms?” The Speaker: “It provides for an addendum motion praying His Majesty to exorcise tlie Royal Prerogative and pardon all strike time emergency offences. This ought to he a separate motion which, will, perhaps, be relevant nilien the regulations are being discussed.’ ’ Air MacDonald appealed for the withdrawal of the regulations, tho continuation of which was insulting to a country whose people had shown wonderful good temper and patience. Sir AY. Joynson Hicks admitted the people’s good temper, hut said there were cases of a renewal of that state. He was surprised at Air AlacDonald’s request, because the emergency was as great now as originally. LONDON, June 3. Air G. Buchanan (Labour) asked;— “Would I ho in order in criticising the King for issuing the proclamation, as lie had no right to authorise it?” (Alinisterial cries of order.) The Speaker’s reply was inaudible. He was about to put tlie motion, when a further excited uproar was led by Afessrs Buchanan, E. T. Campbell, Rev C. Stephen and D. Kirkwood. The first-named insisted that the Speaker must reply. The Speaker said he had already replied : “ A r ou are certainly not in order. The King’s name must not he brought into tne discussion, because what he lias done was on his Alinister’s advice.”

Afr Kirkwood protested that it was a class proclamation. It was a 11 seal) Government ’’ backing the mine owners against the workers. AH Kirkwood proceeded to taunt: “A on gentlemen of England.”

The Speaker ordered him to resume his seat.

Air J. AA’estwood opposed the address of thanks. He opined that the King did not believe in the proclamation. The Speaker: "Order! 1 cannot allow the King’s name to he used by one side or the other in any way.” The motion was agreed to by 240 to 100.

Sir AA’. Joynson Hicks moved the continuance of emergency regulations. AH Barnes moved an amendment to omit the clause giving power to the Board of Trade to regulate the supply and distribution of food and fuel. The amendment was rejected by 26S to 108. Teh Labourites continued to oppose the clauses dealing with the supply and distribution’ of essentials, and empowering tl>e Home Secretary to prohibit the use of funds from, abroad, intended for any purpose prejudicial to the safety and interests of the community.

SiflAV. Joynson Hicks said that there were 1700 strike-time charges, of which 038 were fined, and 629 imprisoned. Altogether there were ‘ 150 incitement cases, and 1389 of violence and disorder. lie was unable to recommend His Majesty to issue an amnesty in the cases of incitement, violence and obstru etion. A OLEAAf OF HOPE. LONDON. June 3. The "Morning Post” states that the officials of the Coal Owners’ Association have invited the officials of the Miners’’ Federation to meet them, with a view to the possibility of getting the two executives together under an independent chairman for the purpose of formulating a basis of peace.

The "Post” adds: " This is tlie first real gleam of hope since the. mines closed down five weeks ago. Possibly the Government or the Speaker of the House of Commons will he asked to nominate a Chairman.