BRITAIN’S COAL PROBLEM.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3411, 16 February 1920, Page 7

BRITAIN’S COAL PROBLEM.

A STRI KE PREDICTED

LONDON, Feb. 12.

Mr H.al*tsllorn, Labour member in the House of Commons for Ogmorc, says there will be -.1 coal strike in six weeks. time. The issue of nationalisation must now be decided outside Parliament. He predicted -that nationlalisation would be- passird within nronths. , _.........

A MILD SENSATION. . .

LONDON, Feb. 13. Mr Hartshorn, M.P., and leader of the South Wales miners, caused a. mild sensation by asserting in. the Commons that rejection of nationalisation of mines meant that the miners would soon "take direct action. Other leaders do not bolive film miners will st1'il~:o. though they admit the Situation I'o- - c.a'reful handling.

There will be much discussion before fihe miners’ policy is settled, The Federation’s executive. meets 'nQxt Week__ and will summon a. national can -ference. There will also be a conference of rho executive with the I>arlia—_ mentary eonlmitieo of the Trade Union Congress. These deliberation-.=, must absorb several Weeks, and a strike could not occur under =iwo mouths. Besides, it is impgrolrable the miners will strike without the con sent of ‘the Triple Alliance, which it is extremely doubtful if they will get. l A possible alternative for a strike is} a. ‘demand for more wages. The South! Wales miners are all'eady demanding] a 50 per cent i.IICI‘("3.SC. '