ABANDONING THE FIGHT

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12610, 22 November 1926, Page 7

ABANDONING THE FIGHT

MINERS’ LEADERS AUTHORISE DISTRICT SETTLEMENTS

GOVERNMENTS TERMS REJECTED

DISTRICTS WILL REPORT RESULT OF THEIR NEGOTIATIONS

The miners rejected thei terms proposed by the Government, but their leaders, ajnxious to end the fight, have authorised district settlemensts.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Reecived November 21, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, November 20. The miners’ delegates, in conference, passed a resolution recommending that all districts immediately open negotiations with the owners in the respective districts, and that a final settlement be not entered until a national conference has received the reports of all negotiations. It is significant that 10,000 men resumed work to-day, making the total for the week 50,000. The tragic coal dispute virtually ends with the delegates’ decision to authorise the men to negotiate for district settlements. The decision was reached after an acrimonious debate. Lancashire urged the acceptance of the district vote, favouring the continuance of the fight. The executive, however, expressed anxiety that some attempt be made to settle, and after this the decision to open district negotiations was carried by an overwhelming majority. It really means that national negotiations are abandoned, as well as the Government’s terms, though tlhe dis-

tricts are urged to endeavour to incorporate certain national principles, which will be decided upon by the executive and considered at to-day’s delegate conference. It will be at least a week before district negotiations are completed, after which a national conference will be necessary. A total of 460,806 miner* voted against acceptance of the Government’s terms, which 313,200 favoured. The conference arranged that districts should immediately enter negotiations with the owners, and report to a delegate conference on. November 26th. It drew up six principles which should be adopted in negotiations. These principles are in harmony with the Government’s terms regarding minimum and subsistence wages, but include a new principle, that agreements be terminable by three months’ notice on either side. This is interpreted ns a desire to ensure the federation’s control of the districts, enabling the calling of a simultaneous general stoppage. Mr Cook declares that the delegates’ decision is not a surrender to the owners, who must not seek to impose impossible or unfair conditions.