COAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1926, Page 2

COAL TROUBLE.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] NO SUBSIDY. LONDON, July 17. A definite refusal tp ron.-id.er any extension of the coal subsidy was made by -Mr Baldwin in replying to the Bishops’ proposal of July 15 and 16. Mr Baldwin, in offering to receive a deputation from the ‘ Christian Churches, staeil that the terms on which work at the mines could be resumed were not within the power of the Government to determine. They could only he settled by an agreement between the owners and tlie miners. HELP FOR -MINERS. LONDON. July 17Re ne wed efforts have been made to get an embargo put upon the handling of foreign coal, but the railwaymen’s refusal to consider this lias rendered the Trades Union Congress unable to net. but shortly tlie Congress is making an international appeal on behalf of the miners. Messrs Smith and Cook have both been re-elected to tho miners’ executive. A WAGE ADJUSTMENT. LONDON, July 17. An important development in the coal strike, which has now lasted, for eleven weeks, is reported to-night. This takes the form of a statement, made to the “ Daily Express ” by Mr Cook (Secretary of the Miners’ Fedcr'ation). It is as follows: “Wo are not willing to consider longer hours but if the Coal Commissioners would interpret their own words on re-organ-isation, and if we could have the assurance that those terms would he put into force, we would he willing to discuss such a lowering of wages as might prove necessary. AYe should require to return to work on the pre-strike terms •while the negotiations were procced-

Thc “ Daily Express ” adds: ‘‘There is now tlie possibility of a new appeal being made lo the nation by the Archbishop of Canterbury.” A NEW FORMULA. LONDON, July 17. Several of the miners’ leaders before returining to their own districts expressed a strong belief that they would be called back in a few days to discuss a new formula for a settlement, arising out of the discussion with the Industrial Christian Fellowship, though the miners are solidly opposed to the idea of arbitration in tlie event of a disagreement. SETTLEMENT COMING. LONDON, July 17. The “Morning Post” says: “Notwithstanding appearances, things are moving towards a. coal settlement.” A SUGGESTED LOAN. LONDON. July 18. Air Arthur Henderson at Wall send said the Government should undertake to provide a loan lor the coal industiy on the easiest possible terms. THE COAT' CRISIS. LONDON, July 16. A member of the Miners’ Executive said the Executive accepted tlie Bishops’ proposals, which are the only peace avenues. It is believed there will he negotiations on this basis next week. The Trades Union Council has been told bluntly that the miners will not permit them to butt in in the negotiations, though tho Trades Union Coun-r cill promised the miners the utmost financial assistance.