MINERS' CRISIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 October 1920, Page 5

MINERS' CRISIS.

STRIKE ACTION POSTPONED. OWNERS' NEW OFFER, By Telefftph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Oct. 3, 5.5 p.m. London, Oct. 1. The coal owners finally offered a shilling rise for a 240,000,000 tons output; eighteenpence for 244,000,000 tons;' and two shillings for 248,000,000. It is officially stated that the miners have postponed their strike notices until October 16 to enable a ballot to be taken on the question on October 11. Received Oct. 3, 5.5 p.m. ' London, Oct. 2. The conference between the qoal owners and the miners agreed to the following additions to the scale if the miners' ballot approved the datum principle:— An -increase of 2s 6d for an output of 252,000,000 tons; 3s for 256,000,000 tons. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A DIRECT ISSUE. VOTING IN NEXT BALLOT. Received Oct. 3, .6.5 p.m. Lopdon. Oct. 1. - There were 530,000 votes in favor of a second ballot, and 400,000 against. A Vote will be taken on the direct issue of whether gie the datum line or strike for the immediate concession of 2s.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SOME MEN, WANT STRIKE. Received Oct. 3, 5.5, p.m. London, Oct. 2. The Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Federation passed a resolution in favor of a strike, and also advising members to vote against the datum line. —Aug.N.Z. Cable, Assn. •CRISIS AVERTED. THE DATUM LINE QUESTION. London, Oct. 1. As an outcome of to-day's conference with the Board of Trade, each side in the coal dispute has arranged a small committee of negotiation. These are now conferring: Replying to Mr. Lloyd George's question, 'lf the datum line for 2s had been 242,000,000 tons of coal, have you sufficient evidence of it materialising? now" Mr. Hodges said "Yes," adding: "A settlement might be reached if the owners and the Government are disposed to agree that 242,000,000 tons are materialising, on which basis you will immediate- | ly advance 25." Mr. Lloyd George replied that the position was not promising. The Premier and the Government representatives subsequently withdrew,' pending the conference. The Exchange Telegraph Agency states on the highest authority that the coal crisis has been averted and the miners' conference has decided to take a second ballot. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.