MEN GO OUT QUIETLY.

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

MEN GO OUT QUIETLY.

LATITUDE IN DISCUSSION RESENTED.

SCHEDULE RATES INSISTED UPON.

RAILWAY SERVICES REDUCED.

The laying down of tools was carried out quietly.

The men mostly left their tools in the pits, expecting, after a week's socalled play, to return with the minimum wage granted them.

The Miners' Conference was delighted with the tono of the Premier's speech, believing that the sympathy of the Government will give them an immense tactical advantage in their contest with tho owners, hut the plea of reasonable latitude in the discussion with regard to the particular rates, was received with strong disfavour.

Tho Premie., realising this, asked the committee to re-discuss the scheme with the Government to-day.

The miners have tmanimously reaffirmed that no terms can bo accepted unless they include a schedule rate for each district.

As a result of Sir G. E. Askwi.v. representations, -the Northumberland coal-owners, employing 70,000 men, have agreed to the principle of the minimum wage, but are unable to consent to a minimum irrespective of the workmen's ability and disposition, to earn such wage.

Tho Labour Party has decided that if the Government do not legislate, they will themselves introduce a Bill to enforce a statutory minimum wage on the coalfields embodying the rates agreed upon ou February 2nd.

A heavy reduction in the railway services has been announced.