THE BIG STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1016, 7 March 1912, Page 3

THE BIG STRIKE.

London, March 5

There are 350,000 men in various industries idle, including 108.000 in the North of England, 62.000 in the Midlands, 70,000 in Wales, 6000 in the eastern counties, 20,000 in the South of England, and 70,000 iu Scotland.

The Industrial Council discussed the miners’ crisis for two hours and then adjourned.

Seven hundred trains have suspended running at Manchester. Railway men at Doncaster resolved to strike if the Government threatens to coerce the miners, and similar resolutions will be moved in other railway centres. The railway men at Nedsen-ap-pealed for a national railwaymen’s strike in support of the miners. Some Derbyshire miners are wearying of the strike.

Miners in North Wales are dissatisfied with the minimum of 6s fixed by the Federation, instead of 7s, and threaten to resume work, contrary to the Federation’s recommendation. The miners refused to allow several colliers in Northumberland to be kept in order, and the miners at Whitburn, in Durham, refused to permit the ventilation or the pumping of water in the pits or the teeding of 400 ponies. The Premier, speaking in the House of Commons, paid a tribute of praise to both sides of the strike for the skill and calmness with which they presented their cases. He affirmed the Government’s acceptance of the principle of a minimum wage, subject to two conditions —(1) the wage must vary according to the district, and [2) it must be accompanied by safeguards protecting the masters against a diminution of the output treated. The miners have fixed a schedule, as they are outside the range ot negotiations. It is s till hoped that a reasonable minimum will be arranged. Mr Bonar Law, Leader of the Opposition, said he would not dream of criticising the government’s action, and he did not desire to discuss the question.

The Opposition Party would not make the Government’s task any more difficult than it is. Brussels, March 5.

The international union of transport workers has decided to impede the exportation of German, Belgian, and French coal to England.