COAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1926, Page 2

COAL TROUBLE.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] COAL MIXES BILL. LONDON, July 6. In the House of Lords, the Coal Miners’ Eight Hours bill was read a second time by 176 to 17. Lord Cecil then announced that he did not, as was at first proposed, intend to push the Bill through. This was owing to a misunderstanding regarding the posting of miners’ rates in a certain part of the country. He said Mr Baldwin was pledged not.to consent to the Bill, unless certain miners were treated justly. Therefore, the further stages of the bill would be postponed. There is much discussion in the lobbies over the change of the Government’s plan as to the Eight Hours Bill. This action of the Government is interpreted as a gesture of sympathy with the miners, and as a disapproval of certain of the owners, who are seeking to impose a reduction of wages as well as the increase in tlieir hours, particularly the Yorkshire coal owners, who arc changing their per centage rates from 87 per cent, for wages and thirteen per cent, for profits to S 3 per cent for wages and 15 per cent for profits. The Government, it is stated, has never contemplated any interference with these percentages. The owners in some areas, including Scotland, propose the withdrawal of the bonus given for piece workers (given to compensate for lost time) when the eight hours shifts are granted them.

The Government have no intention of withdrawing the Eight Hours Bill, but they propose that it shall not pass from their control until they are satisfied t.liat the coal owners in all the districts are giving the miners a square deal. Mr Baldwin is already putting pressure on the Yorkshire owners.