INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 57, 2 March 1912, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

ENGLISH COAL STRLS3

Itv Tfiegraph.—Copyright LulU-d Press Association.

London, March 1

The Premier (Mr H. H. Asquith), at the moniiug session of the Miners' Conference, emphasised the fact that the co.il trade was the life-blood of industry. The Government conceded" the principle of a minimum wage without class or party bias., . They did not intend that what Ihey bchtv.od to be ii dwindling minority of employers should unduly delay '.the ' attainment of the object, which "the Government believed the miners had properly, submitted to them. -The Government would -make themselvQs'respotfsible for securing a reasonable.■'minimum. Up and down the country thore was a presumption that the Government's decision might be the cause of Che majority of employers assenting to reason in regard to the principle of the minimum wage. The Government, however, were unable to procure reasonablness from the minority of owners in respect to the particular rates decided upon on February 8, but it was necessary that the miners should allow a reasonable latitude of discussion in regard to particular rates. If the Government, would make themselves responsible they must allow them to discuss the' ; men's accredited representatives and employers whether any particularJfigure was reasonable. The men Avere trying to achieve a minimum, not for ; the purpose of raising the wages (of the coal miners as, a whole, because the bulk of coal miners already.'got above the minimum, hut the tmen were acting on behalf of the 20.0 r, 25 per cent, who were unable to- effectively care for themselves.

It was, he said, a great thing that 60 per cent, of the coal-owners had accepted the principle. »A terrible responsibility rested with the miners if, owing to a particular formula or set of figures, they should hinder the achievement bf the result so near to attainment. The Premier, concluded by appealing to the miners not to forget the great mass of people outside, whose welfare and existence were largely dependent upon the coal trade;' . The Miners' Conference are delighted with the tone of Premier's ■ speech, .believing ,the> Sympathy of the Government an immense tactical advantage, in the contest'with ;the owners',' but (the'plea^oijßeasonable (latitude ,qf discussion iregard to particular rates-IWas Ire«!elved with strong disfavour." - "■ The .Premier, (realising this, asked tjy t bprnjm|te| /to \ijhb scheme with the Government to-day. The miners unanimously re-affirm-ed that no terms would be accepted unless they include a schedule of rates for each, district. I /i As a result of Sir <G. R. Askwith's r epresentatioixs^:, coal-owners, employing 70,000 men, have, agreed tOffifoe"principle' of the minimuni wage,, but j are ,unable to con, sent to a minimum "Wage srrespective of workmen's, ability or ..(disposition to earn :such wage. The Labour Party has decided,' if the Government do not legislate, that they themselves will introdnce a Bill to make a statutory minimum wage for work in coal embodying the rates agreed upon on February 2. A heavy reduction in the railway ISeryice is announced. • ' .!) ■ ! Downing tools was, .Carried out I quietly. The men mostly left their tools in the pits, expecting that after a week's so-called play they will ireturn with the minimum wage.

MINERS QUITE HAPPY. (Received 2, 9,30 a.m.) London, March 1. Lord Joicey states that the capital employed dn coal mining ;does "not yield more than above five per cent. Mr 'Arthur Markham says the' net profit does not exceed B|d per ton, and the miners 'next great fight will 1)6 for a seven hours' day. • . Mr D. Thomas says the Premier's statement is the greatest triumph for revolutionary syndicalism that has yet occurred in Great Britain anad, not until the Act is enforced •• will the South Wales owners cease thenr opposition. Mr Stanton, the Welsh by says, "We are looking forward to a happy time and will soon 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 Bardie, Mr McKenna said troops were ready for sending to South Wales df real neces-, sity arose hut the executive of the South Wales Federation was calling on all members to preserve order. " BRISBANE LEADERS' OFFER. Brisbane, March 1. • Replying to the Strike Committee's offer to declare the strike' l 'off upon receiving assurance no victimisation would be attempted, the Employers' Federation disclaimed all responsibility for the strike, and stated th«ey could not alter the terms upon which many trades would l>e resumed, and suggested that the remaining trades apply to the respective employers for reinstatement. .. ' ■ AFFAIRS AT BROKEN HILL. (Received 2, 10.15 a.m.) Sydney, Mai-ch 2. Several Broken Hill hotel and bonrdinghouse , keepers attempted to reduce their staffs owing to the increased wages demanded. The Barrier Labour Federation has ordered all old hands to be taken back by the proprietors conceding.