THE COAL TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 September 1926, Page 2

THE COAL TROUBLE

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] AIR CHUIICHILL AND OWNERS. LONDON, Sept. 8. Hon W. Churchill after conferring with Alinisters sent a letter to Alt- Williams thanking the Association for its decision to consult its constituents regarding a resumption of national negotiations. He reiterates suggestion 5 at the national agreement governing many, if not all points hitherto dealt with nationally, but varied in the respective districts, provides the best and shortest path to reach an honourable lasting settlement. He significantly states it is impossible for any conference sitting in London to do more than lay down certain broad principles and recommend the practical steps necessary to securing an early universal resumption.

AIR CHURCHILL’S BID

FOB. COAL SETTLEMENT

LONDON, Sept. 8

Following last night’s urgent summons from Bournemouth, the miners’ leaders met Air Winston Churchill aftei midnight. . ... A conference followed, in which it is understood the miners were closely questioned ns to how far they were prepared to go. After his meeting with the miners, Air Churchill at once sent a letter to the owners, in which he wrote: “We cannot afford delay or a long ceremonial procedure. At least, seventeen hundred thousand families are waiting an opportunity of regaining Their weekly wages. The procedure must be planned to effect this as quickly as possible, on fair, sound terms.” The letter continues: “District settlements, concluded in conformity with agreed general principles, should form the basis whereon work should immediately be resumed. It ought not to be difficult to conclude a national agreement governing many, if not all, of the points so far dealt with on a national basis.”

Air Churchill’s letter to the Mining Owners’ Association is a compromise between the methods fixing the previous agreements and the method of district settlements on which the coal owners now insist.

The principle of a National Settlement is retained, hut the way is opened to variations as between the districts. These, variations, however, most he endorsed nationally. The “Daily Herald” says: “The question is whether the miners generally will approve of the plan.” hut the “Herald'’ understands that Mr Churchill gave an outline of his letter to the leaders of tho miners.

EARLY SETTLEMENT POSSIBIJ LONDON, Sept. 9.

It is understood that the miners have abandoned their claim for a. subsidy, and that they propose an immediate return to work for three months at reduced wages, while an Arbitration Board with an independent chairman assesses the value of the reforms under the Coal Commission report, and decides the ultimate wages for the different districts. The seven-hour day is to lie retained.