MINERS’ STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1921, Page 5

MINERS’ STRIKE.

ARBITRATION DISPUTE. r-.; / ' 4 "?' l THREAT OF COMPULSION. DENIAL BY PREMIER. By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. London, May 31. Mr. Herbert Smith states that Mr. Lloyd George never made any threat of compulsory arbitration, but in casual talk said that the Government could seek power to pass laws to deal with compulsory arbitration. London, May 31.

The executive of the Derbyshire miners rejected the new Government proposals. Received June 1, 5.5 p.m. London, May 31.

Mr. Lloyd George, in a letter to Mr. Frank Hodges (the miners’ leader) states: *1 observe you suggest that the Government on Saturday threatened to subject the miners to compulsory arbitration. I protest that no such threat was made. It is particularly unfortunate that the suggestion was made after it was agreed no notes should be taken, and the Government proposals were handed to you in writing. These allegations are being used to excite the hostility of the miners against our proposals.” Mr. Hodges replied: “Anybody who stated that the Government threatened to subject the miners to compulsory arbitration is most certainly guilty of misleading the public and the miners; but there is an impression that if the parties do not accept the proposals the Government will take steps to obtain the consent of Parliament to compel assent. If this impression is without foundation I am glad to know it.”—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. FOREIGN COAL FREE. REMOVAL OF THE EMBARGO. Received June 1, 5.5 pan. London, June 1. The railway and transport unions have removed the embargo on imported coal, which is now freely handled for all purposes. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.