TRADE UNION CONGRESS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 September 1919, Page 5

TRADE UNION CONGRESS.

NATIONALISATION OP MINES. COMPELLING ACTION. By Telegraph.—Press Aran.- Copyr'gbt. London, Sept. 11. Mr. 'Smillie's motion pledges the Parliamentary Committee to converte a special congress to decide what action should be taken to compel action in the event of nationalisation being refused. Mr, Smillio said: "There in nothing of a syndicalist character in onr claims at thj; present time, but the time may come when the industries will advance a further step. I do not doubt, that, if the miners were so advised, they would stop every mine in the country until the mineß were nationalised, but that would mean a stoppage of nil industries dependent upon coal, and we do not want to do it." Mr. Thomas, in seconding the motion, admitted that the State ownership of railways in the war period bad created a -bad impression upon the public, which was due to the 50 per cent, increase in fares and the inconvenience owing to mismanagement, but that, was what State ownership would be. Mr. Thomas added: "I believe the Government will refuse nationalisation, but State ownership of mines is interdependent with the prosperity of the country." Mr. Havelock Wilson opposed the motion. He said State officials were not the proper people to manage industry. The congress will take a straight-out vote on Friday on the subject of direct action. The Trade Union Congress resolved to send a deputation to Mr. Lloyd George; It is anticipated the Premier ivill refuse the immediate nationalisation of the minei, and in this event the Congress will vote in accordance with Mr. Smillie's motion.