THE COAL STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 238, 6 April 1912, Page 5

THE COAL STRIKE.

THE STRIKE BALLOT. A PIT-MOUTH RIOT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright, London, April 3. Though only two-thirds of the miners voted, an increasing number of pits are re-opening. Mr. Ashton, secretary of the Miners' Federation, states that as a two-thirds majority produced the strike a twothirds majority will be necessary to continue it. Two thousand men and women attempted to hinder a non-unionist at Glencraig pit, Fifeshire. Wild scenei ensued. The police, who were mostly mounted, made several charges, the rioters replying with a heavy volley of stones. Order was at last restored. Strikers smashed numerous windows in houses at Pontypool in connection with grievances about the working of coal outcrops. Many were injured, the condition of some of these being critical. RESUMPTION OF WORK. London, April 3. The miners' ballot resulted in a vote of 158,#26 for resumption, and 182,747 against. There were large abstentions, including 30,130 at Durham. Mr. Albert Stanley, speaking atf a mass meeting at Cannock Chase, said it was now impossible to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in favor of continuing the strike. A resolution in favor of returning was lost unanimously, despite the previous contrary ballot. Another leading miners' official, interviewed, said that it was doubtful if a two-thirds majority was necessary, but the Federation must wipe up the mess. The reason of the obstreperousness was the continuance of strike pay.

ROYAL DONATION. DECREASED RAILWAY BUSINESS. THE STRIKE WAR-CIIEST. Received 5, 12.30 a.m. London, April i. The Prince of Wales has given £SOO to the strike relief fund. Thirty thousand jute workers have been locked out in Dundee, owing to the refusal of 5000 to return after a futile strike for an increase of wages. There is every indication that the Miners' Federation will declare the strike off to-day. The decrease of railway business through the strike is £2,500,000. The owners and men in Lancashire and South Wales have appointed 'boards to fix a minimum wage. There have been additional resumptions in Scotland. The miners in North Staffordshire and Walsall will resume work to-day. The miners' war-chest in Durham, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Nottingham still shows £750,000. THE OFFICIAL BALLOT RETURNS. MORE DONATIONS. Received 0, 1.5 a.m. London, April 5. The official returns for the strike ballot show: For resumption 201,013, against, 244,011. There is no rule covering the matter, but as there is not a two-thirds majority the executive suggests that the national conference called for Saturday should recommend a resumption of work. Sir W. Hall-Jones has received £1,186, chiefly from Otago, to be distributed among women and children suffering from the strike in Cardiff, Middlesbro, Stockton, Grimsby, Stoke, Chesterfield, Leeds and other centres of distress. THE STRIKE OFF. Received G, 12.10 a.m. London, April 4. Ashton announces that the necessary two-thirds majority for continuing the strike has not been obtained. INTERNAL DISSENSION. ; Received 6, 1.5 a.m. London, April 5. A mass meeting of South Wales surfacemen decided not to resume work until their demands were conceded. The president denounced the miners' leaders for despising ttlieir claims. NEW ZEALAND DONATIONS. By Telegraph— Press Association. Hastings, Last Night. Fifty pounds has been contributed to the Tribune fund for the relief of the strike victims in Great Britain. Mr. G. P. Donnelly has also given the Mayor £IOOO for the same object.