LABOUR TROUBLES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3575, 10 September 1920, Page 5

LABOUR TROUBLES.

BRITISH COAL CRISIS. STATEMENT OP MINERS’ CASE. LONDON, Sept. 9. At the Trades’ Union Congress, Mr J. H. Thomas, M.P., made a statement regarding the miners’ trouble. He denied tbe Congress was afraid to raise the issue for fear cf the miners’ power. The Miners’ Federation raised no objection-to the Parliamentary committee bringing up the question at the Congress for the benefit of the public. It’was’ assumed in some quarters that the miners were especially anxious for stoppage. His answer was that stoppage of -the mines was the last thing they desired. No one realised the consequences of stoppage more than the miners themselves. The Parliamentary committee, composed of men who had to conduct trade disputes, were more concerned in adopting an attitude that might help peace rather than to embitter the controversies by any statement they might make. Their action was abundantly justified by the invitation the Government sent the miners’ executive. COST OF LIVING. LABOUR COMMITTEE’S REPORT. LONDON, Sept. 8. The interim report of the committee appointed to inquire into the cost of living deals with the effects of inflated currency which the committee regards as the main factor of high prices, not the shortage of commodities, as the world's production of goods has not fallen more than 20 per cent. The report states the gradual deflation of the currency till depreciation in terms of gold is eliminated will reduce the general level of prices about 20 per cent, but drastic deflation would cause widespread unemployment and probably a fall in wages. Development of the world’s productive capacity would result ultimately in a substantial fall in prices. ! SUGAR WORKERS’ STRIKE. RELIEF FOR THE SOUTH ISLAND. AUCKLAND, Sept. 9. As the' result of a conference at ■the Board of Trade rooms this morning. between representatives of the transport workers and the Board of Trade, arrangements were made for sending south 300 tons of raw sugar brought up from the Islands by the Atua. This amount will be evenly distributed be’tween Lyttelton, Gamaim, Tifnffru and the Bluff and the balance of the shipment—some 100 tons —will be sent to Wellington by the Navua. NO SATURDAY WORK. AUSTRALIAN IRONWORKERS ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE. * A- •“" SYDNEY, Sept. 9. The iron trades employees have issued an appeal to the watersiders for assistance in the fight for the abolition of Saturday work. The ironworkers and assistants’ union is asking the Minister for Labour to prosecute certain employees claiming to be members of the union who work■ed on Saturday last. AUCKLAND COAL SHORTAGE SITUATION BECOMING MORE * GRAVE. MINERS DISCONTENTED WITH STRIKE. . , AUCKLAND, Sept. 9. The position in connection with the coal supplies is growing daily more acute, and there is still no sign of betterment of conditions. The miners at Huntly, Rotowaro and Pukemiro mines remained away from work to-day, and there was no indication that their demand for certain railway concessions would be grant-, ed. Advices from Huntly are to the effect that many of the miners arc growing very discontented at the situation and that the view is gaining ground that the present strike is unwise, seeing fhat they have no quarrel with, the employers. As the strike continues, the matter becomes ever graver Stocks of coal are being depleted and reserves are c dwindiing rapidly. None of the local industries has yet been forced to suspend operations, but unless the shortage of coal is relieved soon, several will have to clese until the miners resume. Retailers report that supplies are very scanty, and that they are able to fill urgent orders only, and oa a proportionate scale, i

ANARCHY IN ITALY. CHEMICAL WORKS OCCUPIED. PEASANTS SEIZING THE LAND. Received 9.15 a.m. ROME, Sept. 9. The seizure of property is extending to glass and chemical works.- Armed bands of peasants are seizing baronial es ates in the Palermo district, and miners threaten (to occupy the mines in Tuscany, Liguevia, Sardinia, and Sicily. THE DOCKYARD TROUBLE. A GOVERNMENT THREAT. Received H o.m. SYDNEY, This Day. The Federal Government has notified the employees of Garden. Island and Cockatoo Docks that they will close the yards if the men cease work on Saturday.