THE COAL INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 45, 16 November 1929, Page 11

THE COAL INDUSTRY

BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS ACCEPTANCE BY MINERS EXPECTED ATTITUDE OF EMPLOYERS Although the British Miners’ Federation will not make its final decision until the National Delegate Conference meets, there is little doubt that the federation will accept the Government’s proposals. Several District Councils have already accepted the proposals for their areas. (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. November 15, 5.5 p.m.) Kugby, November 14. The final decision of the Miners’ Federation to accept and support the Government proposals for the mining industry will not be taken until the National Delegate Conference meets next week. Several of the district councils have, however, already accepted the proposals for their respective areas, and there is little doubt that the federation will adopt the recommendations of its executive and accept the Government plans. Legislation will be shortly introduced giving effect to these proposals. In some quarters it is considered probable that the Government Bill will include provision for a National Board similar in outline to that working satisfactorily in the railway industry, to which the district conciliation organisations can appeal when necessary on points relating to wages and conditions of work. Meanwhile, although the Mining Association, which is the organisation of the owners, maintains as a body its opposition to the Government plans on hours and wages, the coal-owners ’of South and West Yorkshire have issued the text of resolutions declaring their acceptance of the Government’s proposals and expressing the view that the Government "should not in the general interests of the industry be left without the assistance of the coalowners in framing legislative proposals.” The 7} hours day, which is to become operative under the Cabinet’s scheme, is already operative in Yorkshire.

FAILURE OF NEW SOUTH WALES CONFERENCE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE OVER COLLIERIES (United Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Sydney, November 15. The Coal Conference having failed to reach an agreement, It is now the intention of the State Government to take over three collieries in the Maitland district and to win coal for essential services. It is estimated that coal from these collieries will be sold at about 21s. 6d. per ton. Negotiations are in progress for the taking over by the Government of several other mines. The three collieries to be opened are Cessnock, Peitor, and Rothbury. The Government is confident that there will be no lack of volunteers. All preparations have been made to give them protection. MR. KIBBLE’S JUDGMENT Sydney, November 15. Mr. Hibble, in the course of his report on the compulsory conference, said: “Were I enabled to sit judicially, my judgment would be that the mining unions should accept a reduction of a shilling a ton.”