The Coal Strike

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 219, 14 March 1912, Page 5

The Coal Strike

THE MINIMUM WAGE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, Marcn 12. Several newspapers, commenting. on tl>* miners' exclusion of the principle of :hem inimum wage from the discnssi' t at the conference, point out that the Premier and sixty-five per cent, of the owners have already accepted it. The coalowners' and miners' executives conferred with the Premier and Mr Buxton and Sir G. Askwith. Welsh owners decline to cancel the I'JOO agreement unless the Government guarantee that the next one will be strictly observed. THE CONFERENCE AND THE MINIMUM WAGE. MANIFESTO BY SCOTTISH OWNERS. NATIONALISATION OF MINES URGED. Received 14, 1.5 a.m. London, March 13. QwHig to a chill, the Hon. Lloyd George •was unable to be present at the conference, which, after a general discussinn, adjourned. It is reported that the conference is considering the schedule, district by district, the Government suggesting a compromise , whenever there is a wide divergence. It is understood that the Miners' Federation is determined that no districts shall return to work until a national settlement is arrived at. The Scottish coal-owners have issued a manifesto reiterating their opposition to the minimum wage. They state if would increase the cost of production i from two shillings to half a crown per ton, which the consumers would have to pay. Last year's profits in Scotland were only sufficient to cover the depreciation. The proportion of collieries which are not paying is much larger than is generally believed. The demands of the miners' leaders were made in pursuance of a Socialistic policy having for its object the nationalisation of mines. The Rev. Meredith Morris, incumbent of Clydachvale, addressing the miners at Tonpentre, described capitalists as devilishly selfish. He did not believe in riots, but the miners must make their case strong. Personally, he favored the nationalisation of mines and land. Meantime, the workers must secure a grand federation of the various unions in the countrv.