STRIKE MAY BE LONG.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 October 1920, Page 5

STRIKE MAY BE LONG.

NEGOTIATIONS LITTLE 'ADVANCED. PROMISE OP MORE COAl* Received Oct. 22, 11.40 p.m.

London, Oct. 21. Informal conversations took place today between certain Ministers and the miners' loaders, and some progress was made towards a basis for a conference such, as Mr. Adamson suggested in the House of Commons on the 19th inst. It is understood the conversations will be continued, but it is asserted in Government circles' that the railwaymen's ultimatum renders the position more difficult by making it appear that the Government is yielding to threats, and also stiffens the backs of the employers generally. Mr. R. Smillie (the miners' leader), in a vehement speech at Glasgow, said the Government was aiming at other unions besides the miners. They wanted cheaper and greater production, but they thought it unattainable while trade unions possessed their existing powers. They were mistaken if they were banking on a mere two or three weeks' strike. The miners would not be satisfied with less than the full demands. The Government wanted to unite the nation against the miners. He had received a hint that an attempt would be made to import German coal, which was now being delivered to France. He guaranteed that if the two shillings were granted the output would be inj creased 20,000,000 tons in five months.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable As3n.