COAL TRADE CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 200, 21 February 1912, Page 5

COAL TRADE CRISIS.

EXCITEMENT ON 'CHANGE. PRICES ADVANCING. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, February lit. There is excitement on the coal exchange. Prices in South London have advanced four shillings since Friday. The Conciliation Board, representing coalowners and miners, has met privately in London. The executive of the National Transport Workers recommends in the event of a strike that all affiliated 'anions assist the miners in every possible way. Elaborate precautions are being taken to prevent rioting in South Wales. The police arrangements in the colliery villages are complete. Mr. Buxton, President of the Board •f Trade, in the House of Commons, declined to make a statement as to the Government's action concerning the coal strike. Glasgow shipowners insist that the dockers must adhere to the terms signed by the men in the presence of Sir George Askwith. They are arranging for the removal of cargoes under military protection. CONCILIATION NEGOTIATIONS. SOME HEADWAY MADE. Received 20, 10.40 p.m. London, February 24. Sir George Askwith conferred with the Industrial Council on the coal crisis, and submitted representations to the Government.

It is expetted the Premier will announce the action he proposes to take in the House of Commons to-day. Xegotiations with the Conciliation Board are being cntinued. It is rumored a vivendi will be reached in regard to the minimum wage.

The authorities at Glasgow have assured shipowners that sufficient police protection is available. Three hundred unionists have begun to remove the cargo of the vessels in the docks.

The cotton trade at Manchester will be gravely affected if coal supplies stop. They cannot survive a week's stoppage of the mines. Latest rumors from Wales indicate there is a possibility of an adjustment of the trouble.

WHOLESALE RIOTS PREDICTED. STRONG BODIES OF TROOPS NECESSARY. Received 21, 12.30 a.m. London, February 20. TJie Chief Constable of Glamorgan states that the miners are without funds, and if the strike cannot be won peacefully, the authorities must prepare for wholesale rioting and looting, as besides the strikers there will be a reckless and starving population. He demands 3500 infantry and 500 cavalry.