COAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1926, Page 1

COAL TROUBLE.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

MINEES’ CONFERENCE. LONDON, July 31

There was a National Miners’ Delegate Conference yesterday in London. It considered reports from various districts, particularly those in, the Midlands, where it is declared, the drift of the men back to work has now practically stopped. The conference also 1 discussed a memorandum from the Federation Executive, recommending the adoption of the proposals of the Bishops and the Free Church leaders, these providing for an immediate resumption of work on the same conditions as those obtaining before the strike, and the negotiation of a national settlement within for months, any disagreements existing after that to be referred to arbitration.

Mr Cook and other leaders, however, advised the delegates that the Miners’ Federation would not agree to the question of the hours being referred to arbitration. LONDON, July 31. In the House of Commons there were many amendments moved against the emergency regulations. The amendments were defeated on party lines. Finally a motion was agreed to for continuing these regulations for another month, the idea being to summon the House at the end of August if their further re-enactment is considered necessary.

NEW ZEALAND MINERS’ HELP. WESTPORT, Aug. 1. The miners of Now Zealand, through Mr 11. E. Evans, of Stockton, last week forwarded £IOOO to the British Miners’ Relief Fund, making approximately £2060 sent by them to this fund, during the present industrial crisis. COAL TROUBLE. (Received this day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 31. AVliilo a section of the public and press consider tiio adoption of the churches proposals by the Miners Executive on Friday open up the prospect of peace, the other section affirms tho gesture is too late. There is no sign that the owners are prepared to consider the alternative.

Air Cook at Coalville said.—“AVe have done our best toncl can do no more. Our people cannot continue to struggle indefinitely. The children must be fed. It is no wonder South AVart'h is beginning to waver. AVe have rnado a great gesture for peace, through the representatives of the Christian churches. AVill not tho nation demand that these terms bo accepted.” Mr Bridgeman speaking at Sliavingston. Shropshire, staid.—“ One bright spot is miners under tho churches scliomo liavo accepted tho principle of arbitration as regards wages. If this is accepted by both sides, then there is no reason why it could not be put into effect within a day or two.” Air Garvin in a two column article in tho “Observer” ' again urges Government mediation.