MINES CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 July 1919, Page 5

MINES CRISIS.

GOVERNMENT'S OFFER FAVORED, HOPES OF SETTLEMENT. I By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received July 25, 5.55 p.m. London, July 24. Out of the 265,000 strikers, 7000 in ( Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, tuid Nottinghamshire are striking as a protest against the six shillings rise in the price of aoal. Mr. Lloyd George's offer has been favorably received by the miners' loaders. Sir Eric Geddes has left for Leeds. The council of the Yorkshire Miners' Association sent a message to Sir Erin Geddes refusing to me.t him, as the council was pledged to continue the light. Mr, Bonar Law, in the House of Commons, said the Government was considering a suggestion that the whole of the industrial situation should be discussed by a conference with' the trades unions' national executives. The whole force of the Government would be used to protect the public against unjust pressure by one section of the community. The Miners' Federation delegates had a prolonged conference with "the Coal Controller, and discussed the details of the Government's offer. The federation will consider the sub-committee's report to-morrow. The delegates are hopeful that an immediate settlement will be readied.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CONTROL OF THE MINES. THE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION. Received July 25, 11.5 pm. London, July 25. The Daily Herald states that the Government li«b decided against nationalising the mines, but will adopt a control scheme unifying the industry in various areas and guaranteeing a minimum of profit of four per cent, with a maximum of six per cen,t. GOOD NEWS. AGREEMENT VIRTUALLY REACHED. Received July 20, 1 a.m. London, July 25. The Government and thß Miners' Federation have reached a virtual agree-ment.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. , PIECE RATES AND REDUCTION OF 1 HOURS. London, July 24. Mr. Lloyd George conferred with the miners at Downing Street. They discussed the adjustment, of piece rates. Mr. Smillie submitted the minors' case, and, after prolonged discussion, Mr. Lloyd George submitted the following formula: Accepting Sir John Sankcy's report Hint the reduction of output will bo luss than 10 per cent., the Government is prepared to see that piece workers do not suffer any loss in their earnings. The piece rates will therefore be increased to the amount necessary to correspond with the 10 per cent, reduction in hours. The Federation will meet this afternoon to consider the proposals. All arrangements for the export of coal from Cardiff have been cancelled. The majority of textile mills in Bradford will close on Saturday.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. The decision of the Triple Alliance'by 217 to 11 to take a strike ballot is regarded as an important victory for the direct actionists.