THE COAL STOPPAGE

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 296, 10 September 1926, Page 9

THE COAL STOPPAGE

MR. CHURCHILL MEETS MINERS METHOD OF FIXING AGREEMENTS COMPROMISE PROPOSED TO OWNERS Mr. Winston Churchill, after conferring with the miners’ leaders, wrote to the mineowners proposing a comprom* ise between the methods of fixing previous agreements and the method of district settlements on which the owners insist. BY Telegraph.—press Association, copybight. (Rec. September 9, 7.45 p.m.) London, September 8. Following last night’s urgent summons from Bournemouth, the miners’ leaders met Mr. Churchill after midnight. A conference followed, in which it is understood the miners were closely questioned how far they were prepared to go. A letter to the owners* followed, in which Mr. Churchill wrote: “We cannot afford delay or long ceremonial procedure. At least 1,700,000 fanrjies are waiting for the opportunity of regaining their weekly wages. Procedure must be planned to effect this as quickly as possible, on fair, sound terms. District settlements concluded in conformity with agreed general principles should form the basis on which work could be immediately resumed. It ought not to be difficult to conclude a national agreement governing many of, if not all, the points so far dealt with on a national basis.” Mr. Churchill’s letter to the Mining Association proposes a compromise between the methods of fixing previous agreements and the method of district settlements on which the owners now insist. The principle of national settlement is retained, but the way is opened to variations between the districts. These, however, must be endorsed nationally. . The “Daily Herald” says the question is whether the miners generally will approve the plan, but it understands that Mr. Churchill gave an outline of it to the leaders. SHORTEST PATH TO LASTING SETTLEMENT London, September 8. Mr. Winston Churchill, after conferring with the miners, sent a letter to Mr. Evan Williams, president of the Mining Association, thanking the association for its decision to consult its constituents regarding the resumption of national negotiations. The Chancellor reiterates the suggestion that a national agreement governing many, if not all, of the points hitherto dealt with nationally, but varied in the respective districts, provides the best and shortest path to reach an honourable and lasting settlement. He significantly states that it is impossible for any' conference sitting in London to do more than lay down certain broad principles, and’ recommend practical steps necessary to secure an early universal resumption of work. MINERS PROPOSE TO RETURN TO WORK REDUCED WAGES FOR THREE MONTHS SEVEN-HOUR DAY TO BE RETAINED (Rec. September 9, 11.10 p.m.) London, September 9. It is understood that the miners have abandoned their claim for a subsidy atld propose an immediate return to work for three months at reduced wages, while an Arbitration Board, with an independent chairman, assesses the value of the reforms under the Coal Commission’s report, and decides the ultimate wages for the different districts, the seven-hour day to be retained.