BRITISH GOAL CRISIS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 169, 17 July 1919, Page 5

BRITISH GOAL CRISIS.

"CASE FOR THE MEN.

NATIONALISATION DEMANDED. AN UNJUSTIFIED INCREASE. LONDON, July 16. At the Keswick Conference of miners, Mr Robert Smillie, secretary of the Miners' Federation, denied that the demands of the miners justified the proposed increase in the price of coal. The federation was desirous of assisting to the utmost in increasing the output. The miners denied absolutely the responsibility for the shortage. Mr Smillie said, further, that he believed that nationalisation alone would achieve a proper output by the elimination of the royalty-owners and the introduction of new machinery. The miners were not likely to strain every nerve to make fortunes for the owners. He offered to the Government that the mirrers would be willing to strike in order to assist them against a hostile j capitalist combination. The conference passed a resolution pledging its fullest support to the Government in carrying out the recommendations contained in Mr Justice Sankey's report. One hundred and fifty thousand miners struck last night in West Yorkshire, the men refusing the proposed re-arrange-ment of hours and rjiece rates under Mr. [Justice Sankey's award. The masters I have nothing to do with the quarrel, which is between the Coal Controller and the miners/ —(A. and N.Z. Cable.) STRIKES AND BALLOTS. POWERS OF EXECUTIVE. (Received 1.50 p.m.) LONDON, July 16. The Miners' Conference overwhelmingly rejected a motion empowering the executive to declare a strike on important disputes without a ballot. — (A. and N.Z. Cable.)