COAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1926, Page 2

COAL TROUBLE.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, July 1. The coal stoppage is now entering its third month, and the prospects of a re-opening of negotiations are as lcmote as they ever were. It is understood that the Marquis of Londonderry has been in communication with certain of the Opposition front benchers, but without result. The “Daily Express” states: “The employers are now confident that they have broken the resistance of the Miners’ Federation, and they expect that, with the passage of the Eight Hours Bill, the men will show a willingness to return to work on district agreements.”

The “.Morning Rost” Labour correspondent declares: “When the mine owners post their new terms,' alter the Eight Hours Bill has received the Royal assent, they will he able, on Mil eight, hour basis, to guarantee the prestoppage rates of pay to 850 thousand out of a total of 1100 thousand miners. Oil the contrary, the miners’ leaders aver that the men will continue their resistance until the middle of September.

COAL NEGOTIATIONS. (Received this dav at S a.m.) LONDON, July 1. The “ Daily Mail ” says the principal difficulty of the unofficial coal negotiations arises that the miners’ plan necessitates a forty-vear loan of twenty millions sterling, guaranteed by miners, owners and Government to carry out the reconstruction of the poorer mines. Hon W. Churchill is embarrassed by the drop of revenue as the result of the slowing down of the wheels of industry, and is unable to promise that the Government will participate in the guarantee.