THE STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 April 1921, Page 5

THE STRIKE.

THE OWNERS’ OFFER. MIXERS NOT SATISFIED. ' NATIONAL POOL DEMANDED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright. Received April 21, 8.10 p.m. London. April 21. The Miners’ Federation, replying to the owners’ offer, describe it as vague and meaningless. They declare the national wages board valueless without a national pool.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. DEADLOCK CONTINUES. NATIONAL POOL MAY GO. London, April 20. The coal deadlock is no nearer a solution. Both sides are issuing propaganda matter, but it leaves the problem essentially the same. Though the miners’ executive is again in London there is no prospect of re-opening negotiations this week. Everything depends on Friday’s conference of national delegates, which will extend to Saturday.

Though the majority of the coalfields are standing out for a national pool it is expected the result of Friday’s conference will be a determined attempt to negotiate at least a temporary settlement. A number of members of the executive say that, so long as fair and reasonable wages are paid, it matters little whether they come through a pool or elsewhere. If the negotiations are not resumed a proposal will be made for a voluntary levy on all unions affiliated with the Trade Union Congress to enable the miners to continue the strike. SHORTAGE AT GLASGOW. OLD WORKINGS USED. London, April 20. Glasgow has only 1000 tons of coal, and it is expected none will be available for householders next week. Morpeth, Northumberland, has become like Klondyke. Thousands of miners and women with picks and shovels have taken possession of some old workings, have tunnelled 20 feet under the river Coquet and made valuable hauls of coal from which some miners have made £6 per day. Lady Carlisle has foregone her royalty rights and has given the miners a free hand.