THE COAL COMMISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 13, 16 January 1926, Page 9

THE COAL COMMISSION.

SCHEME OF LABOUR. A PROFESSOR EXPLAINS. LONDON, January 15. Professor R. H. Tawney, a leading Labour man and economist, explained the miners proposals to the Coal Commission. He expressed the opinion that the export of coal at present was not effectively organised. This was exposing the industry to less favourable conditions than if there were one single export system. Questioned regarding the proposals for the regulation of wages Professor Tawney said no system of compulsory arbitration was suggested. The miners thought there should be bargaining between representatives of the producers and the consumers, and, if they disagreed, the matter should go to an independent tribunal. The State would have a monopoly of the home trade under nationalisation. Witness said he agreed that if the industry under nationalisation had to pay its way without a subsidy, three alternatives must be contemplated. These were: (1) A reduction of wages; (2) a lengthening of the hours of labour; or (3) a contraction of the industry. The miners maintained their rights to withhold labour under nationalisation. Cross-examined, Professor Tawney said the proposals put forward had not been submitted to a ballot of the miners.— (Reuter.)