THE COAL CRISIS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 75, 25 March 1912, Page 4

THE COAL CRISIS.

The coal crisis in Great Britain is the subject of an article in the “Nineteenth Century,” written by Mr W. LI. Renwick before the miners left work. Incidentally ho puts the case for and against the minimum wage demand, which has arisen because of the grievance of the miner whose work lies in getting coal in what are known is abnormal places. The collier employed upon a good normal seam is in a position to earn a high wage, but his fellow-workman who is troubled by a bad roof, or floor, or other faults finds that his earnings are much lower. It has been the custom- under these circumstances to make an allowance to the less fortunate collier, but, unfortunately, the greatest difficulty has been experienced. in deciding whether a place is normal or abnormal, and dispuVs have constantly arisen between managers,,and men upon this point. Mr Renwick points out that the acceptance of the principle of the,minimum wage ' Would, finally settle the ques-. tidn of the allowance to be paid for the euttih'g,. of coat inTess| favourable places'; but , the minp-pwners object on various grounds—mainly because, as they hold, the incentive to the miner to turn out . the maximum amount of coal would be destroyed. A fixed minimum wage is impossible without a corresponding guarantee of a minimum output of coal, and its adoption, would be fatal to the employiubiit ,pf any,but able-bodied men,,, and would ithus involve dhe discharge, Of (-.miners' 1 who ‘have passed the prime of life, (and those who are; suffering from physical defects.