LABOUR TROUBLES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3581, 17 September 1920, Page 5

LABOUR TROUBLES.

ITALIAN INDUSTRIAL CRISIS

POSITION CONTINUES MOST

SERIOUS

ROME, Sept. 13

The industrial crisis continues to be most serious. The seizure of property is going on. The workers have occupied cotton mills !n Lombardy and wool factories m Media and Piedmont employing many thousands of hands. The council of the Italian Confederation of Industries resolved not to re-open negotations with the men unless they quit the workshops. The rafiwaymen and seamen's organisations, however, have decided to transport any raw material to the revolting factories despite the manufacturers' veto.

Signor Giolitti recen ly met a delegation of employers, who asked the Government to get them back the factories.

Signor Giolitti replied: "But the workmen inside, if turned out, will invade the streets. The delegation replied: "But it* is your legal duty to put them out,"

Signor Giolitti: "How." The Ceiegation: "Make a terrible example. Bombard tbe factory." Signor Giolitti, with a sardonic smile, replied: "If so, be sure I will begin by bombarding your factories." BRITISH COAL CRISIS. A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK. LONDON, Sept. 16. The coal outlooF Is brighter. The miners will probably drop the demand for reduc'ion of price if the Government guarantee to continue control of the industry over an, ex : tended period. The miners' executive have arranged to meet Sir R. S. Home on Thursday, also to summon a full conference of delegates from miners' lodges. The Daily Chronicle says: At Thursday's meeting with Sir R. S. Home, the miners may consent to waive their claim regarding the 14/2 if a pledge is given that coal will not be decontrolled during the presen? Parliament, and that a higher wage increase is given .than that already asked, but it must be remembered that Sir R. 8. Home lias already announced that the wage*' demand must go to arbitration, as there is not enough money in the industry to pay the increase to the miners. The chairman of the coal owners' association announces that the coal owners do not want control, wliich is contrary to public interest.

COTTON OPERATIVES ON STRUKE.

LONDON, Sept. 16

Five thousand cotton operatives in Lancashire struck as a protest against their union signing an agreement with blaster .spinners without submitting the terms to a ballot among the operatives.