THE COAL TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1926, Page 3

THE COAL TROUBLE

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] COOK DENOUNCED. LONDON, Sept. 24. A scathing letter was written by Mr Frank Hodges, (former Secretary of the Miners’ Federation) to Mr Thomas Spencer, who recently has been dismissed from his Trusteeship of the Derbyshire Miners’ Association. Mr Hodges says:—‘‘What is your crime? You dared to criticise the policy of ( Smith and Cook. Democracy! What, baseness is committed in thy name! You criticised a slogan you condemned it. You were right! You, have seen golden opportunities come and go. which, if seized b.v competent leadership,'would have led to an honourable (peace. You realised, as. I have; that our miners have been but the background or the stage to provide a place for the capers, the antics, and the popular declamations of Cook. Decency demands that those whom you attacked should resign before the revolt I” , LONDON, Sept, 23. The Home Secretary (Sir W. J. Hicks) states there is no earthly chance of the extension of the summer time in order to meet the coal emergency. i NEGOTIATIONS FAIL. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) if LON DON, Sept. 24. > The publication of the miners’ proterms shows- negotiations quite ’ failed to open a way to settlement on a national basis. It is unlikely that Cabinet will be able to solve, the deadlock;