STRIKE THREAT.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 March 1920, Page 5

STRIKE THREAT.

BRITISH LABOR CRISIS. MINERS AND RAILWAYMEN. PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT EXPECTED. tt WtfrWb.—Press Asjn.-Copyrlgbt. London, March 24. The country is confronted with drastic sud-'onnass with the possibility of a national strike of miners and serious trouble with the railways. Lloyd George addressed a Mter ■vine executive committee of the Minora' Federation stating that he did not desire to meet them again, which is Interpreted tc mean that the negotiations are broken off. Two thousand railwaymen of the Luistasairt and Yorkshire Company are striking owing to the suspension of a driver for refusing to relieve another driver after he himself had done a day's Work. Mr. J, IT. Thonutß,'M.P. (general sec*et»ry of the National Union of Raih W**wen), savs the union's executive •ill support the strike. Received March 28, 5.5 p.m. London, March 27. The '■ Situation between the Government and the Miners' Federation is that the latter agreed to accept a percentage basig in respect of a wages increase, provided the Government increased the Offer from 20 to 22} per cent. The '•Wrtfliv* previously asked for 25 per cent. A 48} per cent, increase guarantees a daily increase of 3s for all exceeding aightaes years, Ss from sixteen to eighteen years, and a shilling under sixteen. A postponement' until March 2»th Was made to enable the Government to examine the figures preparatory to making a definite proposal. A peaceful settlement is confidently expected,—lmftfial Service. , THE MINERS. SHUKE CONSIDERED INEVITABLE. WOBBLE MAY BE DELAYED. Received March 28, 5.5 p.m. London, March 25. It transpire* Mr. Lloyd George did Hot refuse to meet the miners again. He said he wa* willing to keep the door of negotiations open, but the phrases—"Qtnejal announcement," and "The Government hag no further communication to make"—greatly angered the delegates. It is considered in some circles that th« itinera may be appeased by the exblaftk&ioa and 4 ray of hope exists, but j tile general view is that the position Km reached a deadlock, since the Government Statement means the Government has made its final offer. The newspapers, with practical unani*tty, regard a strike as inevitable, tbtttfh the preliminary measures may dakjt a cessation of work until the end ofApri}. ATTITUDE RESENTED, Oft* hundred and sixty-two delegate; attended the Miners' Conference, wMct tmt faivate- Mr. Herbert Smith, whe presided, complained of the tenor ol Mr. Lloyd George's speech on the 20th Mr* Smith, referring to Mr. Lloyd Otftfe's accusation that the miners'pro poiej was syndicalism of the worst type said tlie miners' demand was. perfect!] legitimate and made by a group ol Workers whose intentions were as fail and above board as any group in thi land, whether political or industrial. Representatives of the South Walei Diners emphasised that their member Would accept nothing less than the ful amount; indeed they were by no mean: satisfied with 3s. After the conference the delegates sail SoOth Wales even threatened to striki independently if the federation acceptei less than 3s. South Wales consider that, as the chief exporting coalfield, i is carrying the rest of the industry oi its hack. Delegate? state that all exports o eoal from the United Kingdom are ceas lag and the coal brought to the pithead is being directed to the industrial cen tres- The Government is making ever; preparation to carry on the industries ii the event of a strike.

NEGOTIATIONS PROCEEDING. "PREMIER'S ATTITUDE DIS. APPOINTING." METERS' DELEGATES NOT SANGUINE. f * Received March 28, 11.30 p.m. London, March 25. Contrary to expectation the miners' delegate at the conference this morning received an Invitation to meet Mr. Lloyd George, Mr- Bonar Law, and other Ministers at Downing Street. The conference was about to adopt the executive's recommendation to proofed with a ballot, but it immediately adjourned. The executive had a conference lasting two. and a half hours with Mr. Lloyd George, when it wag- stated the negotiations are (till proceeding. The delegates said Mr. Lloyd George's attitude was disappointing, and they are not very sanguine The miners' conference will resume this evening. Mr. Lloyd George announces he is willing to meet the miners any time.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Awn. THE NEW OFFER. •_ ANOTHER .VOTE TO BE TAKEN. Received March 29, 12.5 a.m. London, March 2.1 llie Government's amended offer to the miners consists of a 20 per cent- increase with a guaranteed minima of boys Od and men Is 6d. The miners' delegates will vote tonorrow on the question of accepting the percentage principle.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable