COAL CONFERENCE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 181, 27 April 1921, Page 5

COAL CONFERENCE

OWNERS’ PROPOSALS CONSIDERED

SUGGESTED TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT

By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright London, April 25.

The representatives of the owners, mil* ers, and the Government again conferred, Sir Robert Horae (Chancellor of tho Exchequer) preaiding in Mr. Lloyd George’s absence. ' The conference considered the owners’ proposal. The proposal for a durable scheme stipulates that wages shall depend upon the industry’s ability to pay; that the coalfields be divided into agreed areas; that standard wages and standard profits should be a first charge on the industry, and thereafter tho surplus divided between the owners and the men.

The proposals for a temporary arrangement during the transition period suggest that for three months the wage reductions should be uniform in each area, the owners not taking any.profits if they result in a reduction of wages below the minimum fixed by the monthly statement. The owners suggest that the Goveminent should fix the minimum in consultation with both parties, the Government, where necessary to make a contri■bution to any area to prevent a reduction when the profits have been absorbed for that purpose. After July 31 the wages paid should depend solely upon the ability to pay, wages in August to be calculated on. the basis of the Juno results.

The conference adjourned until to-mor. row, when Mr. Lloyd George will preside. REFUSAL TO HANDLE COAL DECISION OF RAILWAYMEN. London, April 25. Addressing a meeting of miners a?> Lydney, Mr. Cramp (president of the National Union of Railwaymen) declared that the railwaymen intended to refuse to handle coal lying at the colliery sid-ings.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FIRE AT A PITHEAD GREAT DAMAGE DONE. London, April 25. A fire which occurred at the pithead at the North Rigg Colliery, in Linlithgodshire, from a cause unknown, resulted in damage estimated, at *£30,000. The Edinburgh Fire Brigade, assisted by naval ratings, was able to save only the en-gine-house and power station. The pit will be unable to resume operations for a year.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.