COAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1926, Page 2

COAL TROUBLE.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

MINERS’ POSITION

LONDON, Aug. 16

The question of replying to Mr Baldwin’s statement published in America regarding the c-oal position, has been settled by an announcement tliat Mr Ramsay MacDonald has changed his mind.

In a letter to the Miners’ Women’s Committee, he says: None knowing the districts doubts the miners’ distress. The response to the leaders’ and women’s appeals towards feeding the school children and the Poor Law Relief have done something, but heartrending distress slowly and cruelly invades the homes. I join in your appeal to America, knowing my friends believe that I would not say this unless convinced of,its justice. Mr (MacDonald complains that the Government is conniving at a drastic curtailment of Poor Law relief to inhuman standards. LONDON, Aug. 16. The miners continuo to drift back to work.

. At three Shropshire pits, practically the whole complement has returned, while in various Nottingham, Derbyshire, Warwickshire, Lanarkshire, and Cannock Chase collieries, nearly twenty thousand are now engaged in the production of coal. The Coal Miners’) Delegate Conference to-day, after discussing the recent adverse district voting on the Bishop’s memorandum, adjourned without reaching any decision.

RUSSIAN WORKERS’ AID. MOSCOW. Aug. 16. The Central Council of the Russian Labour Unions have transferred to the British Miners’ Federation two hundred thousand roubles, thus making a total since the strike of 4,917,000 roubles. MINERS’ CONFERENCE DECISION. LONDON, Aug. 17. It is understood that when the Miners’ delegate Conference adjourned, a motion was proposed, seconded and under discussion, under which the Executive would be authorised to enter negotiations regarding wages, subject to there being a national agreement and a national minimum, and to the maintenance of the seven hours day. “At the same time.” says the “Daily Herald’’ (Labour), “the delegates remained unconvinced that any wage reduction is justified.” It adds that it is expected that a decision will he made which will result in a meeting between the Government, the miners, 'and the coal owners. The “Daily Express” says that some ol 1 the delegates listened to Mr Cook’s lengthy harangues impatiently. Finally ho lost voice. All the leaders look-' ed worn and weary, after a five hours’ debate.