IN PARLIAMENT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1382, 7 March 1912, Page 5

IN PARLIAMENT.

MR. ASQUITH ON THE SITUATION. WHAT THE GOVERNMENT . ACCEPTS. London, MaTch 5. Mr. Asquith, the Premier, speaking in the House of Commons, paid a tribute to both sides for the skill and calmness with which they had presented their cases. He affirmed that tho Government's acceptance of the principle of a minimum vago was 3ubject to two conditions—first, that the wage must vary according to tho district, and, second, that it must be accompanied by safeguards protecting tho masters against any diminution of output. He treated the miners' fixed schedule as outside the Tange of the negotiations, but still hoped that a reasonable minimum wage would be arranged. Mr. Bonat Law, Leader of the Opposition, said he would irot dream of criticising the Government. He did not desire to discuss tho question. Tho Opposition would not make the Government's task more difficult. The Industrial Council is making an endeavour to remove the deadlock. Tho Labour party has given notice cf motion in the House of Commons for the appointment of a committee to consider tho question of the middleman exploiting tho public by raising the price of coal. ACTION ON THE CONTINENT. Brussels, March 5. Tho International Union of Transport Workers has decided to impede tho exportation of German, Belgian, and French coal to England. ■ BOHEMIAN MINERS' WAGES KAISED. (R«c. March 7, 0.35 a.m.) Vienna, March 6. The miners of Bohemia havo obtained a 25 per ceut. increase in their wages. HUTT AND PETONE NEWS. (From Oar BDeclal Correspondent.) HUTT FIKE BRIGADE. Tho Lower Hutt Fire Bricado held its monthly meeting last night, Captain blmn being in the chair. , , Lieutenant M'llvride reported that at] a conference with the borough engineer it had been decided to proceed with speciftoations for n new hose reel at once. Tho Unit Council desired to know why a fireman had been on duty .for ten hours at. the recent fire in Victoria street. Captain Slinn explained that, as the owner of the premises had lost his life at the fire, and there were no relations who could be communicated with, it was deemed advisable to take every preenuTlie officers reported one fire-call last month, but no serious damage had teen done. . Two new members were elected. Fireman Parker's resignation Was received. At n sitting of the Widows' Pension*! Court nt Lower Hutt ypsterdny olie full pension was granted. One application wo* rcl'uvd un account ut excess or m--0111110. Verv 'little business imwio before the rimirlerlv nieetins "f "»■ l }"" Committee held at Lower ilutt.yesterday. Tho chairman of the committee (Dr. M'Arthur) presided and there were also on the Bench Cotton, Uidb.v, mid Hvder. A trimmer wa« granted fmin W. J. .lorßCii.-an to .A.. Johnson in rr-nort nf tho Grand National Hotel, F»tnn°i in* J. P. ri»t.eh«r to •/•(.• Hnrriwn in respect of the Central Hotel, Petonon i