NEW OFFER.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 April 1921, Page 5

NEW OFFER.

TO BRITISH MINERS. OWNERS TO MEET THE MEN. A CONCILIATORY ATTITUDE. By Telegraph-—Press Assn.—CopyrTght. Received April 20, 55 p.m. London, April 19. The coal owners announce a detailed offer, including a national wages board, to deal with principles applicable to the whole country, and these principles shall be applied in determining district wages according to district financial results. Minimum wages shall be determined nationally, the miners to receive in addition the surplus revenue available in each district during the existing abnormal period. They also offer a conference to deal with wages in lower paid districts, an agreement for a national settlement of the relation of wages to profits, and a joint audit of the owners’ books on behalf of the owners and workers. Replying to the Miners’ Federation, the coal -owners’ negotiating committee announce that they are prepared to fully discuss wages with the miners, but they will not scrap all the suggested wages scale without a discussion. It is understood the owners are of opinion that Mr. Hodges’ proposal for a tonnage levy is. entitled to careful examination, and the owners also offer a joint audit by a board for the protection of the men in connection with the figures by which wages and profits are deter-mined.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SCARCITY OF COAL. POSITION BECOMING WORSE. HOUSEHOLDERS’ PLIGHT. Received April 20, 5.5 p.m. London, April 19. The coal scarcity is increasing. There are long queues in front of offices where householders are trying to secure permits to get half a hundredweight weekly. Many places are unable to allow even this, not an ounce being for sale. Residents with gas stoves are being refused permits to buy coal. Farmers are stopping threshing in Leicestershire as there is no coal for the engines.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LOOTING IN LANCASHIRE. THE WORST YET. London, April 19. The polled report indicates that yesterday’s looting in Lancashire was the worst since the coal strike began. Shops wore plundered and stolen provisions deliberately wasted.