THE COAL TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1926, Page 2

THE COAL TROUBLE

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] THE MINERS’ ATTITUDE. LONDON, Aug. 28. The British Miners’ Federation has issued a manifesto dealing with 'the situation arising from their recent conferences with the Alining Owners Asoeiation and the Government. The manifesto states that the AJinors’ Federation was prepared, to negotiate on the question of wages. It reveals that the men were still adamant on the questions of the seven hour day and the national agreement. The Miners’ Federation Executive meets on Monday to consider the result of the interview with the Government. It will also meet tho Labour Alcmbers of the House .of Commons. in view of Tuesday’s debate in Parliament. on the occasion of the renewal of the emergency legislation. The debate promises to he of the liveliest character. MINERS’ AIANIFESTO. (Received this dav at 8 a.m.) LONDON. August 29. The Miners’ Federation manifesto says the representatives attended a meeting with mine owners with a genuine desire and hope they might prepare the way for a reasonable settlement. Unfortunately the conditions laid down by the chairman of the Association were such as to make a settlement impossible. Ho stated the owners insisted on negotiations for national 'agreement being abandoned in the future and the miners agreeing to the working day being lengthened by one hour. Both these proposals were condemned by the coal commission. The Federation is well aware of the owners belief that the miners will eventually he forced to submit to anv terms through the starvation of their families. It is- also aware the owners have been encouraged in this belief by the attitude and actions of the Government throughout this dispute, hut the public will judge for themselves whether a settlement enforced by starvation of the women and children and one in which the" miner will be deprived of the protection of his national trade union organisation, would he likely to he either lasting or conducive to future pence in industry. It is sufficient to point out the spirit of the miners, far from being broken, is retaliate and unshaken. At the same time the Federation was prepared to enter negotiations on the question of wages, and it deplores the tact that the owners sabotaged the discussion thereon by insisting on proposals which had been roundly condemned by the Royal Commission. The Federation is ready any moment- to discuss wages with the Government or with the owners provided it is satisfied a reconstruction of industry on lines commended by the Commission is genuinely taken in hand both by the Government and by the owners.