MINERS' STRIKE.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16584, 25 July 1919, Page 7

MINERS' STRIKE.

MONMOUTHSHIRE MEN RESUME. (By Cabl«.—Pr«« Asiociation.—CopyriphJ.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, Jnly 23. Ton thousand Monmouthshire miners have resumed. Tho Triple Labour Alliance discussed a resolution by Mr Frank Hodges, of the Miners' Federation, for a strike ballot in the event of the Government not conceding the demand for nationalisation of the coalmines, and tho noninterference of the military in disputes. FRANCE TURNS TO AMERICA. PARIS, July 23. M. Loucheur, Minister of Industrial Reconstruction, speaking in the Chamber of Deputies, said that Great Britain had intimated that the coal difficulties necessity tor] a reduction in tbo export from 77,000.000 to 23.000,000 tons, and also that the arrangement had been abandoned for supplying Franco at the price (it which the coal was sold in England. Britain now offered Frnnco 9,000.000 tons instead of 18.000.000 at 135 francs per ton. Franco had unsuccessfully protested, and had arranged to secure coal moro cheaply from Arr.crica.

SAVING THE MINES. THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEERS. MANY COLLIERS RETURNING. (Received July 24th, 9.5 p.m.) LONDON. July 23. Mr Lloyd George and other members of tho Cabinet had a long conference with the coal owners. Soldiers wearing trench helmets are guarding the pumping stations. Bluejackets are arriving in Yorkshire in motor-cars. Tho winding men have struck, so it is difficult to lower the men to the pumps. The Triple Labour Alliance carried Mr Hodge's resolution by 217 votes to 11. The Coal Controller has restricted householders to one cwt each delivery. Tho railway companies have notified the public that it is necessary to considerably rcduce the gassenger services, and it may bo impossible to guarantee the bringing back of holiday-makors from the seaside resorts. Tho pump men and engine men at throe mines in South Yorkshire have decided to resume work, and so avoid damage to tho pits. Thousands of mining engineers and others are offering to replace the strikers, to save tho mines. . , Ten thousand Notts mmers have struck. In Nottingham tho streets aro unliglitod. A few minors are working in Durham, but thirty thousand aro out in Derbyshire. On the other hand, a mass meeting at Burnley, Lancashire, adoptee 1 , a resolution to resume forthwith.

PIECEWORK RATES. (Received July 25th, 1.25 a.m.) LONDON, July 24. _ An early settlement of the miners piece rates' claim is honed for. It is pointed out that the men's demand for a one-seventh increase had. boon conceded by manv owners before the Coal Controller awarded 12} per ccnt. Possibly the Controller will allow a settlement on a one-seventh basis.