THE STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1921, Page 3

THE STRIKE.

SPLIT AMONGST MINERS. MAJORITY DEMAND FULL CLAIMS. OTHERS GIVE WAY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright Received April 19, 7.40 p.m. London, April 19. Miners’ district meetings show practically a unanimous determination in South Wales, Scotland, the “Black County”, Notts, Lancashire, Cheshire and Derbyshire to insist on the full original claims at Friday’s delegate conference. Northumberland alone favors a fresh meeting with the owners for a temporary wages settlement. The Northumberland miners have instructed their delegates to ask the executive to again meet the Government and ascertain what temporary wages settlement they are prepared to offer. The Scottish and Lancashire miners, on the other hand, insist on the original claims. The Welsh miners demand the withdrawal of all labor from the mines and Mr. Hodges’ resignation.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. SETTLEMENT PROSPECTS. QUESTION OF A SUBSIDY. A HINT FROM THE PREMIER. - Received April 20, 1.10 a.m. London, April 19. A significant statement was made in the House of Commons, which is thought to increase the prospect of a settlement of the coal strike. Mr. Lloyd George declared that although the Government was unable to accept indefinite liability it did not exclude the possibility of a subsidy for a permanent settlement.—Reuter Service. DISCUSSION IN THE COMMONS. STATEMENT BY PREMIER. NECESSITY FOR PERMANENT PEACE. Received April 19, 5.5 p.m. London, April 19. In fhe House of Commons, Mr. Hartshorn said that if a national wages board was conceded, and arranged a fixed proportion of profits to wages, they would be a long way on the road to permanent peace.

Mr. Lloyd George agreed. He said some of the proposed reductions of wages seemed indefensible, and he was entirely of opinion that the principles on which the wages of all areas were to be fixed must be settled nationally. If the miners recognised that ,a national pooling system was impossible, then the scheme might be hammered out with satisfaction tc everybody. It was a misfortune if the dispute ended in another temporary patch-up, and it would be better to risk taking rather more time to secure a settlement which would restore peace for years to come.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. PRESERVING FIFESHIRE MINES. COAL ON DOCTORS’ ORDERS. FISHING INDUSTRY AFFECTED. Received April 19, 10.30 p.m. London, April 18. At some Fifeshire collieries, where the miners hitherto prevented preservation work, pumping has started under military protection. No coal whatever is available in Lincoln. Householders are only able to secure a supply of fourteen pounds on a medical certificate that warmth is necessary for a patient. The fishing industry at Hull has been allotted only a quarter of its normal supply. Already 108 vessels are laid up, and the number is growing fast. —Reuter Service. COAL SHORTAGE ACUTE. ATTITUDE OF MINERS MIXED. THE ISSUE DOUBTFUL. Received April 19, 10.30-p.m. London, April 18. The coal shortage is becoming acute. Metal industries remain closed, and consumers are exhorted to treat coal like gold. A severe cold snap with snow grips the United Kingdom, and many towns are without coal.

The situation among the strikers is mixed. Scottish mass meetings demanded the recall of Mr. Smillie. Wales demands the resignation of Mr. Hodges, and Yorkshire and Newcastle favor Mr. Hodges’ formula. Mr. Hodges is organising support for Friday’s meetings, but the issue is doubtful. The more extreme districts demand the withdrawal of the safety men.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.