THE STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 April 1921, Page 5

THE STRIKE.

SETTLEMENT NEARER.

RESTRICTED COAL SUPPLY.

NEW RICH FEEL PINCH.

Telegraph.—-Press Assn.—Copyright. Received April 28, 55 p.m.

London, April 27. Though • details of to-day’s conference between the miners, the owners and the Government have not yet been published the consensus of opinion is that a settlement is nearer, and it is now possible the men may return to the pits jtowards the end of next week.

Meanwhile the Government is conducting an energetic publicity campaign urging the public to. economise in coal They suggest one hot meal daily and no hot baths, even if it is neessary to go dirty. The public should utilise pommunal bakehouses and restaurants as far fas possible. The Government also appeals to the proprietors of dancing halls not to arrange parties during the crisis.

The Royal Academy banquet, fixed for April 29, has been abandoned owing to the strike. In many districts homes which were buflt on war profits are disappearing piecemeal, now chair, now table. There is a glut in sealskin jackets and gramophones at pawnbrokers. The only lucky folk are those who discovered and worked outcrops, some yielding up to fifteen tons daily, (thus arousing the anger of other workmen. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

DISPUTE NARROWED.

SETTLEMENT PROSPECTS.

London, April 2G,

As the miners demand the reduction of wages should not exceed 2s there is only a question of Is in dispute on the basis of Sir Robert Horne’s siibsidy offer The moderate element on the miners* executive considers there are tendencies favorable to a settlement. It is expected the settlement will be on the area basis, as the owners propose. with the qualificatioh that the standard wage shall be nationally &ttled by a national wages board.

THE GOVERNMENT OFFER.

TO TIDE OVER TRANSITION.

London, April 27.

At the conference between the miners and owners. Sir Robert Horne, on behalf of the Government, offered a contribution -of half a million monthly during the transition period, so that the reduction in wages should not exceed 3s.

Mr. Cramp announced after the meeting of the railwaymen’s executive that no embargo would be placed on coal for hospitals, public utilities or household use, but no coal would be handled for commercial purposes.