THE COAL TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 1 September 1926, Page 2

THE COAL TROUBLE

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] MINERS’ -MEETING. LONDON, 31. Lively scenes and plain speaking were features of the Aimers’ Executive meeting. The leaders looked gloomy and troubled when they separated. It is understood that a stern fight occurred between the “ moderates ’ and the “ die-hards.” the latter favouring the continuance of the struggle and the former urging the quickest possible entry into negotiations. Air Varley flung a bombshell into the meeting by recalling how in Nottinghamshire they had postponed meeting the local eoa! owners in the hope of a national move being made towards peace, which move had not been forthcoming. He now asked the Executive to relieve them from their pledge, so that they could negotiate locally. At present the position remains uncertain. Some of the papers are reporting that the “ dieliards ” were the strongest party. Others say that the miners will make a move towards peace. The “Daily Herald” (Labour) sheds no light on the situation, blit the fact that a delegate meeting is being called is significant. SETTLEMENT AIOYE. LONDON. August 30. The-Miners’ Executive at its meeting decided to cull a Delegate Conference for Thursday. It is understood that important developments are pending, and that ‘he Miners’ Federation will make a definite move in the course of the week to end the deadlock, and to enter upon negotiations for a settlement. T' e “Daily News” says the Miners' Executive discussed a definite formula for ponce negotiations, which they will submit to the delegate meeting on Thursday. They have also submitted proposals to the Labour Afembers of the House of Commons, who are now approaching the Government. It is understood t’ ! at peace is likely within three weeks. One Labourite .told the “ Daily News ” that the -Miners’ Federation was willing to resume work on reasonable terms, if it could remain intact. EAI'EBG FNCY BEG FLAT lONS. LONDON, August 30. The House of Commons reassembled to-day for the special purpose of renewing the Emergency Regulations, in connection with the coal dispute. Commander Kenworthy asked whether Air Baldwin’s recent message to the American newspapers in regard to the condition of the miners and their families, had been sent through the British Ambassador in AYasbingtou in consultation with the Foreign Office. Sir Austen Chamberlain replied—- “ The message was not sent through the Ambassador, but with my knowledge and my full concurrence.” Sir AA'illiam Joyiison Ifieks Of onto Minister) moved a resolution authorising the continuance of the Emergency Regulations for one month. ITo said Hiat there had been only sixtv-four prosecutions under these Regulations in August. The mining districts generally. he said, wofe quiet and orderly. He would like to pay a tribute to the minors.

There were Labourite interjections here, m which Afr .Tack Jones was the most prominent. The Speaker then asked Air Jones to withdraw from the House. Air Jones began bis exit at only a snail’s pace, stopping at intervals to abuse the Government. Air .Tones was finally suspended by 235 votes to 53 votes. Sir AY. Joyiison Hicks, continuing, said that, if the “safety men” were called out bv Air Cook or bv anyone else, it would be the duty of the Government to take all possible steps to prevent the mines and the livelihood of the miners being destroyed'. That, be said, was an elementary duty, and it would he carried out to the full. There was a lifeless debate, wliicli continued till Sir Henry Slesser, Iv. C.. / Labour) moved amendments to omit ti-nce Regulations dealing with “ acts likely to cause sedition,” and also to omit those affecting public meetings and processions.

The amendments were, defeated by votes on party lines. The regulations were finally approved bv 232 votes to 91.

The House of Lords also adopted a resolution for continuing the Emergency Regulations, after speeches of protest liv Lord Parmoor and Lord Arnold. though Lord Buckmastcr (a Labourite) declared that the Regulations were more necessary now than tliov were oriodnallv, as the coal dispute was reaching its climax, in which tlie forces of disorder were likely to find free play. He declared that the miners were being badly led. ’The House of Lords then adjourned til! November 9.