COAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 August 1926, Page 2

COAL TROUBLE.

MINERS’ DECISION

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) ' LONDON, Aug. 17. The conference of the miners’ delegates instructed representatives to reopen negotiations at once for a settlement. The conference resolved that the negotiations for a settlement must be of a national character, and must not be a district settlement. The Miners’ Executive meets this morning to decide on their future action. In the light of the delegate conference decision, it is certain the Executive will approach the Government during the day. The Alinisters chiefly concerned turned to London last night. Ah- Baldwin is expected at Downing Street at noon. All accounts agree that to-day’s debate was very lively. The extremisdemanded to know why Air Cook, after preaching “No Surrender!” now urged a compromise. Air Cook’s answer is not recorded. Delegate after delegate vehemently argued against negotiation. Others suggested a means of tying the Executive’s hands. Air Cook pleaded for the acceptance of the principle of negotiation. He argued: “If the Government refuses, we have put them ill the dock, hut something is hoped to happen. Then we can report what we have got. Meanwhile the Executive will know exactly how far it may dare go.” Air Herbert Smith said: “Let us get down to brass tacks!” The voting was 42S thousand for and 360,000 against negotiation. The minority consisted of the Yorkshire, Lancashire, .South YY'ales, and the Forest of Dean miners. The “Daily Herald” states: “It would lie wrong to assume that the decison means the beginning of a surrender, or that a 'settlement is certain, but if tlio Government and the owners accept the miners’ offer in the spirit in which it is made, there is every reason to anticipate a settlement.” HOPE OF PEACE. LONDON. August 18. Feeling in trade union circles is hopeful that pence has been brought appreciably nearer by the decision of tlio Miners’ Conference. The Executive of the Miners’ Federation have Written to the Alining Association suggesting a: meeting of representatives of men and coal owners. This is arranged for to-morrow.