IMPENDING COAL STRIKE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 444, 2 March 1912, Page 5

IMPENDING COAL STRIKE.

PRIME MINISTER AND MINERS. THE GOVERNMENT'S EFFORTS. By Telegraph.—J're&s Association. —Copyright Received March 2, 9.30 a.m. London, Friday. The Premier at the morning session of the Minors' Conference, emphasised the fact, that the coal trade was the life hloorl of industry. The Government considered (lie principle of a minimum wage without: class or party bin?. They did no!, intend what he j believed to he a dwindling minority | of employers should unduly delay the j attainment, of an object, which the ! Government believed the millers had properly submitted to-them. The Government: would make themselves responsible for securing a reasonable mini mum, but: it, was necessary for the miners to allow reasonable latitude of discussion with regard to particulars of rates. "If the Government make themselves responsible they must lie allowed to discuss with your accredited representatives, and employers, whether any particular figure is reasonable. You are trying to achieve a minimum, not for the purpose of raising the wages of coal miners as a whole because the bulk of coal miners have already got above the minimum, but you are acting on behalf of 20 or 1:3 per cent, who are unable to effectively care for themselves. It is a great thing that GO per cent, of the coal owners have accepted the principle. A terrible responsibility rests with the miners if they cling to a particular formula, or set, out figures which hinder the achievement of a result, so near attainment. ' ? The Premier concluded by appealing to miners, not to forget: the great mass of the people outside, whose welfare and existence wero largely dependent on the coal trade. TOOLS DOWNED QUIETLY. The downing of tools was carried out quietly. The men mostly left their tools in the pits expecting, after a week's so-called play, to return with a minimum wage. THE MINERS DELIGHIED. SCHEDULE RATES RE-AFFIRMED The Miners' Conference is delighted at the tone of the Premier's speech, believing the sympathy of the Government has given an immense tactical advantage in the contest with the owners, but the plea lor reasonable latitude for discussion in regard to particular rates was received with strong disfavour. The Premier, realising this, asked the committee to rediscuss the scheme with the Government to-day. The miners unanimously reallirmed the decision that no terms would be accepted unless they include the schedule rate for each district. NORTHUMBERLAND OWNERS AGREE. Aa a result of Mr Asquith's representation the Northumberland coal owners employing 70,0(10 men agreed to the principle, of a minimum wage but were unable to consent to a minimum irrespective of workmen's ability and disposition to earn suc.h wage. MINIMUM WAGE BILL. The, Labour party has decided if the Government do not. legislate, they will themselves introduce a Bill to make a statutory minimum for the coal fields, embodying the rates agreed upon. PROFITS OF OWNERS. WORKERS' HAPPY TIME. Lord Joicey states th° capital em* ployed in coal mining does not yield more than about It per cent. Mr Arthur Markham, Liberal M.P., says the net profit does not exceed BJd per ton and the miners next, great fight, will be fer a seven-hour day. Mr I). Thomas says tin- Premier's statement is the' greatest triumph ioi revolutionary syndicalism that, has vet occurred in Britain, and not. until the Act is enforced will South Wales owners cease their opposition. Mr Stanton, the Welsh loader, says '' We are look ing lor ward 1o a happy time, and will «non get. our own way. We can spend time in picture shops; stay in bed as long as we like, and generally enjoy ourselves. Replying to Mr Keir Ilardie, Mi McKenna said that troops were ready for sending t.o .South ales if real nccessitv arises, but. the oxecutive of the South Wales Federat ion is calling oil all members of the 1' edorulion to ; prcservo order.