THE BRITISH MINERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 76, 29 March 1920, Page 5

THE BRITISH MINERS.

ANOTHER OFFER TO-DAY. POSITION MUCH BRIGHTER. (By Cable—rress Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, March 28. The situation as between the Government and the Miners' Federation is that Ihe latter agree to accept the percentage basis in respect of a wages, increase provided that the Government increased ite offer from. 20 to 22J per cent. The executive of the Miners' Federation previously asked for a 25 per cent increase. TTie executive asks that the 22i per cent increase shall guarantee a daily increase of 3/ for all miners exceeding 18 years of age, 2/ for those from lfl to 18 yeare of age, and a shilling for those under Iβ years of age. A postponement of the negotiations until March 20 wns made to enable the Government to examine figures preparatory to making a definite proposal. A peaceful settlement is confidently expected. Tlic Coal Owners' Association issued a statement yeeterday declaring that the Coal Controller acted generously towards the miners in offering a 20 per cent increase, as this advance would place the miners in a more favourable position than the workers in othor industries. Tlie statement points out that since coal for home consumption has been produced at a loss for a longtime, there is no alternative between a rise in the price of coal all round or another subsidy, both of which means that' the consumer pays.— (A. and N.Z. Cubic.) THREAT OF TRAM STRIKE. NOTICE EXPIRES EASTER. . (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON, March 28. The Transporters' Executive ordered the tramwaymen's branches throughout the country to tender strike notices expiring on April .1, but a strike will possibly be averted by negotiations in the meantime.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.) MASS MEETING OF TEACHERS. NOISY MALCONTENTS. (Received 0 a.m.) LONDON, March 28. A meeting of London school teachers who are dissatisfied with their pay was held to hear Mr. H. A. L. Fisher (Minister of Education). The meeting 3houted down Mr. Cohh (chairman of the London County Council's Education Committee), despite an appeal from the Bishop of London. Mr. Fisher thereupon quitted tho hall, and the meeting broke up in disorder.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.)