THE COAL CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1926, Page 3

THE COAL CRISIS.

GOVERNMENT ACTION. AIR COOK’S VIEWS. [Austruka it N.Z. Cable Association.] (Deceived tins day at 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, June 9. The Government takes a serious view of the coal breakdown. The Government’s coal committee met and considered the position. It is believed that the plans discussed included a Government ballot among the miners. Air Cook in a statement alleges the coal owners’ account of yesterday’s conference misrepresented the whole position. Air Cook declares the miners will not meet the owners again unless shorthand notes are taken. He says the owners laid down their terms for an eight hour day-, reduction of wages to the level of the 1920 agreement and lower in some districts. The owners have not changed one iota. They treated with contempt questions of reorganisation, selling agencies, closing of uneconomic pits, etc. The Miners’ Executive have now returned to their homes; They will continue the struggle. The men will not return to work exception on a status quo basis

LORD BIRKENHEAD'S VIEWS

LONDON, June 8.

Lord Birkenhead speaking at a luncheon of the British Imperial Coucil of Commerce referred to the coal problem. Ho ridiculed the suggestion of tho miners’ leaders that the solution was to increase the price of coal, with some manufacturers already struggling to meet foreign competition. Referring to the money ,the AUners’ Federation was receiving from Russia Lord Birkenhead said whatever the decision the Government reached herein, there must he a real distinction between private contributions proceeding from a foreign Government. The Russian contributions were avowedly to foment revolution.