THE COAL TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1926, Page 2

THE COAL TROUBLE

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] MR, BALDWIN’S PLAN. LONDON', September 17. After conferring with Mr Evan Williams (Chairman of the Mine Owners’ Association) and subsequently having •in sill-dav conference with the miners, Mr Baldwin sent a letter to Mr Cook (.Miners’ Secretary) emphasising that after the .Mining Owners’ Association’s emphatic refusal of a national agreement regarding the hours and wages, it was not within the Government’s power to arrange a conference now. However, he said, that- the Mining Owners’ Association had declared that the owners in the districts were prepared to observe the main principles which a National Agreement would secure. Consequently, with a view to a satisfactory settlement, district settlements, should he combined with national supervision. If miners were at length ready to face the economic facts, the Premier added, and would resume work on provisional district settlements the Government was prepared to introduce legislation ensuring that these principles would be properly applied by a National Appeal Tribunal. “It is necessary.” he added, “to say that this offer is made from a sincere desire to arrive at an early settlement. The Government expects a decision, without delay.” The accompanying memorandum explains that the National Arbitration Tribunal will he established when work is generally resumed, through provisional settlements, and that any settlement providing for longer hours may he reviewed by this Tribunal if it consists of matter which formerly would have been dealt with by a national settlement.” LONDON. September 16. Discussing the result of to-day’s coal conference, air A. Cook (Miners’ Secretary) said at a meeting at Greenwich to-night: “ We are no nearer a settlement to-day than we were in tho first we’ek of the strike.” Mr Cook added: “I went to Downing Street hoping against hope that an honourable agreement would he reached, and unless the coal owners’ terms are changed considerably—unless there are national negotiations and a national agreement—we arc yet a long way from a settlement.” The newspapers, of nil shades agree that to-day’s proposals are not likely to find acceptance with the miners. Ft is explained that the Executive of the .Miners’ Federation has no authority from the Delegate Conference to accept either a district, settlement or compulsory arbitration. The “Daily Chronicle’s” lobbyist supplies the only ray of hope. He learns from a Government source that fin' plan put - forward need not he regarded as Downing Street’s last word, hut it is open to the miners to make proposals. , The lobbyist adds: “The miners will certainly not. return to work on promises. They are certain to demand that legislation and the actual establishment of an arrears tribunal must precede the resumption of work. On the other hand, the threat of compulsory arbitration will make the coal owners think hard.” Tho “Daily Herald” charges Mr Baldwin with a breach of faith by llirowing overboard -Mr Churchill’s offer to find other means than national settlement, if the coal owners did not accept; national negotiations. The “Daily Herald” emphasises that Die Hon F. S. J.'i-ksnu. the Chief of 'he Conservative Headquarters, saw Mr Baldwin to-dav. and warned him Hint the Party feeling in the country was that lie was unjustly defying the coni owners. The Executive of the Miners’ Federal ion considers that there will he a new plan (int forward on Monday.