THE STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 April 1921, Page 5

THE STRIKE.

OWNERS’ PROPOSALS. NEW OFFER MADE. PARTIES AGAIN CONFER. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, April 25. The coal conference considered the owners’ statement, in which the proposal for a durable scheme stipulates that wages should depend on the industry’s ability to pay, that the coalfields be divided into agreed areas!, that standard wages and standard profits should be the first charge on the industry, that after the surplus should be divided between the owners and the men. The proposals for a. temporary arrangement during the transition period suggest wage reductions for three months, which should be uniform in each area, the owners taking no profits if they result in a reduction of wages below the minimum fixed monthly. The statement suggests that the Government should fix the maximum in consultation with both parties, the Government, where necessary, to make a contribution in any area to prevent a reduction, when the profits are absorbed for that purpose. After July 31 the wages paid should depend solely on the ability to pay. The wages in August should be calculated on the basis of June results. The owners, miners and the Government have again conferred,, Sir Robert Horne (Chancellor of the Exchequer) presiding in the absence of Mr. Lloyd George. An adjournment was made till to-morrow, when Mr. Lloyd George will preside. RAILWAYMENS ACTION. FIRE AT PIT-J3EAD. London; April 25. Addressing a meeting of miners at Lydeny, Mr. Cran declared that the railwaymen intended to refuse to handle coal lying at the colliery sidings. A fire at the pit-head" of a North Rigg colliery, Linlithgowshire, the cause of which was unknown, resulted in damage to the extent of £30,000. The Edinburgh fire brigade, assisted by naval ratings, were able to save only the enginehouse of the power station. The pit will be unable to resume.work for a year.