ADVICE TO THE MINERS.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14293, 2 March 1912, Page 9

ADVICE TO THE MINERS.

PREMIER'S ADDRESS AT THE CONFERENCE.

(Received March Ist, 9.40 n m ) LONDON, March' 3

The Premier, at the morning stsskm of the miners' conference, emphasised thß fact that tho coal trade was th-> life-blood of industry. The Government had considered the principle of minimum wage, without class or party lijas and they did not intend to allow what they believed to. be a dwindling minority of employers to unduly d t ]_y

tho attainment of an object which tie Government believed the miners had properly submitted to them.

Tho Government would make themselves responsible for securing a reasonable minimum up and down tho country. There was a presumption that tho Government's decision might ba the cause of a majority of the eniploj. crs listening to reason in regard to the minimum wage.

Ho was unable to procure the particular rates decided on on February 2nd, but it was necessary that the miners should allow reasonable latitude of discussion in regard to particular rates. If the Government made themselves responsible, they must be allowed to discuss tho question with the miners' accredited representatives and the employers, whether any particular figure was reasonable. "You aro trying to achieve a minimum not for the purpose of raising tho wages of coal miners as a whole, because the bulk of the coal minors have already got a wage above tho minimum, but you are acting on behalf of 20 or 25 per cent, who are unable to effectively case for themselves. It is a great thing that GO per cent, of the coal-owners have accepted the principle, and a terrible responsibil' ity rests with the miners if they cling to a particular formula, or hold out for figures which hinder the achievement of a result so near attainment."

The Premier concluded by appealing to tho miners not to forget the great mass of people outside whose welfare and existence was largely dependent on tho coal trade.