DEADLOCK.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 April 1921, Page 5

DEADLOCK.

MINERS REJECT OFFER.

PREMIER’S FINAL WORL

STRIKE TO CONTINUE.

SETTLEMENT EFFORTS TERMINATE

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, April 28.

The miners, by an overwhelming majority, rejected the Government’s offer of a subsidy of £10,000,000 spread over four months, which would mean that no miner’s wages Rvould be reduced more than 3s per shift during May and 3s 6d in June. The miners rejected the offer on the ground that it was inadequate, and provided only starvation wagel. Sir Robert Horne thereupon hurriedly summoned Mr. Lloyd George and secured authority to increase the Government’s offer of a subsidy to 1 £10,000,000 for three months, meaning a cut in wages of 2s 6d, instead of 3s per shift.

Air. Lloyfl George declared that this was his final word. There is general hope that the miners will accept the offer. ’The miners’ delegates declare that the final offer is highly unsatisfactory,, but they will refer it to a full conference to-night.

THE FINAL OFFER.

REJECTION BY THE MINERS.

“PRINCIPLE NOT CONCEDED.”

CONFERENCE TERMINATION.

Received April 29, 5.5 p.m. London, April 28. Mr. Frank Hodges (the miners’ leader) conveyed the Government’s final offer to the miners’ executive at the Board of Trade this afternoon. He said that m order that the reduction of wages in May should not be more than three shillings and in June three shillings and sixpence, the Government had offered to grant £10,000,000, of which Ibhe remainder would be divided between July and August, two-thirds being used to stabilise wages during July. Sir Robert Horne-emphasised that the Government were only making proposals in the belief that a durable was being made which would last until August, 1921, thereafter being terminable at three months’ notice.

Mr. Hodges replied: “The proposed reduction brings us a considerable distance below the subsistence wage. The Government is trying to soften the bloW for us. We want a long period of peace and prosperity; we do not want constantly recurring strikes. We know that if our men are to enjoy good conditions in life they must have peace.” Mr. Hodges then indicated that befoif? ■giving a final reply the executive would submit the matter to the Miners’ Federation conference.

After an hour and a half discussion the conference resolved to reject the Government’s proposals, “as they do not concede the fundamental principle for which we stand”. Accordingly the conference terminates, and delegates will report to the 'men upon the present Government offer.

After the conference many delegates appeared very disappointed. They said the majority in favor of rejecting the Government’s terms was not large, but it was sufficient for the purpose.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.

STUMBLING BLOCK.

DEMAND FOR. NATIONAL POOL.

DELEGATES RETURN TO DISTRICTS

Received April 29, 5.5 p.m. London, April 28. Some critics of the Government suggest that a larger Government subsidy might have met the difficulty, but the conference resolution ma-keq, it plain that the stumbling block to a settlement is still the miners’ claim to a national pool. Several of the smaller districts pleaded that their members were entitled to have a voice in settling whether the Government offer was adequate. Delegates from Scotland, Lancashire, Yorkshire and South Wales, however, replied that the delegates had been given a mandate for a national settlement, from which they must nqt depart.

The delegates will now report to their lodges, which will pass resolutions affirming or not affirming the action of the conference.

A member of the executive, who was going north, said: “We will be invited to return to London in ten days or a fortnight, when the public begins to understand that no coal is being produced.”—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.

A WAY OUT.

SCHEME TO SECURE COAL.

NEGOTIATIONS WITH DISTRICTS.

Received April 29, 9.50 p.m. London, April 29.

With a view to overcoming the coal deadlock some coal owners intend to open negotiations with the district unions, which are not expected to approve of the rejection of the Government’s terms.

It is believed to be possible to arrange for a resumption of work in those districts where the industry is profitable, owing to the large output and wages being comparatively high.— Aus.-N.z. Cable Assn.

SCOTTISH MINES RUINED.

London, April 28. A Scottish mining expert is of opinion that 50 pite in Scotland will never be pumped dry, and those saved will be dangerous for months. The owners are convinced that less than half the Scottish miners will find work when the pits are re-opehed.