THE COAL STRIKE

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10586, 18 March 1912, Page 5

THE COAL STRIKE

AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT AGREEMENT IMPOSSIBLE. A MBIESH- PROPOSAL. * (Ri-c-eived Last Night, 0.0 o'clock.) LONDON, March 17. It is officially announced that the Premier informed the Conference that the Government would ask Parliament for a legislative declaration that a reasonable minimum wage, accompanied lay safeguards for the employer, should be a statutory portion of the contract with underground coal-min-ors. He stated that though the Government had done its utmost, he regretfully concluded that an agreement was impossible. Other measures must be taken, considering the consequences to the people. Without pledging the Government in regard to the precise machinery, the Premier in* dicated that a direct minimum would be fixed locally by joint boards of employer and employed, with a neutral and independent chairman selected by the parties, or, if necessary, by tho Government. The proposals would include provisions for securing a promptdealing with disputes.

Tho South Wales and Scotch owners have not- participated in the last two Jays' conference, desiring the Government to take tho responsibility for a minimum wage. They believe that Parliament will assure them a more adequate safeguard than a voluntary agreement.

The real cause of the breakdown was the men's refusal to agree to arbitration, either upon-the amount of the minimum wage or the nature of the safeguard. It is- expected that the Bill as outlined by;the Premier will be introduced on Tuesday.

The Miners' Federation meets again on Wednesday. It is possible that it will then advise a resumption of work when the Act reecives Royal assent, without waiting for local negotiations for the settling of wages. Mr Stanton, a Welsh delegate, declared: "If the Bill does not meet •with our approval, it.is imposed that w;u-Ic.'. will,hot be resumed until' the ; terms are conceded;"--' :■■'.' ,;'':''.;.:'...'■-

UN PROMISING O UTt-00 K. ;• FREE FIGHT IN MINERS' BiALL. (Received Last Night, 5.5 o'clock.) c m&m . LONDON. March 17. The Government action may fail to end the strike. It may even prolong the agony.. The Labour Party's action, is not promising. Tho Daily Mail says the Premier's proposal is compulsory arbitration on Australian lines. The Daily Graphic states that the fundamental aims are Trades Unionism. Mi- W. Pomber Reeves, referring to" Mr Arthur Chamberlain's suggestion of the nationalization of the coal mines, says he might as well talk of the nationalization of the moon. There is no use, he says, m discussing remedies which would take ten years to carry out. A free fight occurred in the Miners' Hall at Sunderland, where 24,000 were receiving strike pay. Those who were not entitled to pay, owing to arrears in their subscriptions, stormed and prevented the distribution. The thread-mills at Paisley, employing 12,000 hands, will close to-day.

MR MACUONALD AND THE PRE- , MIER.

"BUiX.GU.NG ANI> MUiDDLLNG." (Received March 16, 8.5 a.m.) LONDON. March 15. Mv G. H. Roberts, Labour Whip, defends the party against the allegation of inactivity. The party, he says, is unable to rely on Parliament, as at present constituted, to deal justly with Labour, and adds:— "The clamour for a legislative settlement is fraught with danger." Mr J. Ramsay Macdonald,, leader of the Labour Party, again attacks -Mr Asquith in the paper Labour Leader. He accuses the Premier of bungling and muddling; otherwise the strike would by now have ended. If a Bill was introduced in Parliament hampering trade unions, giving help to establish compulsory arbitration, or giving an imperfect schedule of prices, the Labourites would oppose, it tooth and nail.

KING GEORGE.

CANCELLATION OF FOREIGN ENGAGEMENTS. (Received March 16, 11 a.m.) LONDON, March 15. Owing to the coal crisis, the King has cancelled intended State, visits to foreign- courts during tho coming rpring. Hi;; Majesty's borne engagements will fill the summer and autumn months.

NO SETTLEMENT PROBABLE.

(Received. March 16, II a.m.) LONDON. March 15. 'Mr R. P. Houston, Unionist M.P. for West Toxeth Division of Liver-