BRITISH MINERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1920, Page 5

BRITISH MINERS.

NATIONALISATION OR STRIKE, BEGINNING OF A GREAT FIGHT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. I Received March 14, 5.5 p.m. London, March 13. The coal miners' official statement says the committee recommended the demand for higher wageis. following upon Mr. Lloyd George's refusal of the miners' proposal to reduce the price of industrial coal and reduce the amount exported. The newspapers interpret the demand as the miners' reply to the Trade Union Congress vote against direct action; also as an effort of the miners to convince trade unionists generally that nationalisation is the only expedient to avert a national coal strike. The miners' demands mean an addition of £55,000,000 to the nation's coal bill, and involve an increase in the price of coal of 39 a ton.

It is believed the miners have precipitated a grave situation, and it is the beginning of a great fight. It is unlikely the Government will grant the demand. Therefore, there is danger of serious trouble arising on the coal fields. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

DEMAND FOR MORE PAY. I INTERVIEW WITH PREMIER WANTED. Received March 14, 5.5 p.m. London, March 12. Tlie conference of the Miners' Federation, by an overwhelming majority, decided immediately to demand an advance in wages of 3s per shift for workers over IG, and 8d for those under 10 as from lat March.

The executive takes immediate steps to formulate the application, and asks for an interview with Mr. Lloyd George to discuss it prior to the resumption of conference on the 24th March.—lmperial Service.

SATISFACTION AT VOTE. DIRECT ACTION SETTLED. Received "March 13, II p.m. London, March 12. There is (he' greatest satisfaction r.iuong all classes throghout the country at the decisive character of yesterday's vote on the question of direct action, while Labor circles express delight that the issue lias been definitely faced and finally disposed of, so far as the organised trade union movement is concerned.

A prominent Laborite expressed the opinion that the question will not again assume a serious form in generation.

The Miners' Federation is meeting today to consider its action upon this decision. The miners are now faced with the alternatives of a solo strike, or a new* wages demand, and, as previously indicated, the latter is the likelier. Yesterday's vote demonstrates that the average British trade unionist is neither a fanatic nor a revolutionary—lmperial News Service.

A DJFFERENCE OF OPINION, ACTION POSTPONED TILL THE 24TH. Received March 14, 11.5 p m. London, March 13. There is a difference of opinion in the Miners' Federation, the extremist? complaining that the executive's! proposal played into the hands of the capitalists, nnd they are urging that the miners' demands should not be based on what the industry is able to hear, but on what the workers ought to have. Finally the Conference overwhelmingly accepted the executive's recommendation. The Conference then adjourned until the 24th when it will receive the executive's report upon, the result of (he application.—Aur.-N.JS. Cable Assn.