THE COAL TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 September 1926, Page 1

THE COAL TROUBLE

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] MINERS’ MOVE. LONDON, . Sept. 4. The Government is reopening the coal negotiations at the instance of Mr A. Cook (Secretary of the Miners’ Federation) . 'Flic next question is whether Mr Churchill (Chancellor of the Exchequer) can persuade the mine owners to meet the men to discuss a national settlement. An official of the Mine Owners’ Association said last night:—“When we receive a communication, we shall simply reply that the matter must he referred to the District Associations. This decision is rigid, and the Government’s Departments are fully aware of the fact.” COOK’S OFFER. London, sept. 4. After an all day' conference yesterday in which Mr Ramsey MacDonald took part Mr Cook (Miners’ Secretary) sent a letter to Mr Churchill saying: ‘The Executive and delegates at the conference, having carefully considered the deadlock, have resolved to ask you to convene and attend a conference of the Mining Association and the Miners’ Federation. We are prepared to enter into negotiations for a new national agreement with a view to a reduction in the labour costs to meet the immediate necessities of the industry.” An official communique says:—“The Government considers the letter of Mr Cook constitutes a basis sufficient to justify it in requesting the coal owners to resume negotiations, and is communicating with them." Mr MacDonald, when informed of the result of the letter, said he was glad to have been of some service. He hoped that commonsense would prevail and that a settlement would bo achieved. OWNERS TO MEET. LONDON, Sept. 4. The Mining Owners’ Association, in a letter to the Mines Department, lias pointed out that the Association, is not authorised to enter into any discussions on behalf of tho Coal Owners’ District Asociation, and that, therefore, it will be unable to attend a repartite conference. The Alines Department- has replied that a discussion of the position that is raised by the Association’s situation is essential, and the Owners’ Association then agreed to confer with tho Cabinet’s Coal Committee on Monday.