156 SILENT PITS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 58, 9 March 1944, Page 6

156 SILENT PITS

WELSH MINE STRIKE

WORST SINCE 1926 jßcc. 2 p.m. LONDON, March 9. Wales is now in the grip of the most calamitous miners1 strike 1926. The coal owners' spokesman put the number of affected pits at 156, employing 80,000 men of the 100,000 engaged in this coalfield. These strikers have virtually brought to a standstill mines which are producing the world's best steam coal, which is vitally needed not only for war factories, railways, and home industries, but for ships' bunkers and cargoes for special overseas needs. Street scenes in the Rhondda Valley, one of the most famous coal-pro-ducing centres, are reminiscent today of the big unemployment days of industrial depression after the last war. Miners stood idly .at street corners, vowing their determination to stick it out until their grievances were met. The pithead gear throughout the valley was silent, and no smoke was issuing from the chimneys. One. coalhewer said: "I know that people are saying we are letting down the soldiers, but we are fighting for improved conditions , for them when they return." . The stoppage is already affecting industries. Coal for the boilers and for the^roducers is exhausted at one elec-trically-powered works in South Wales. ; ■•' "■■.'■ / ■ The Minister of Fuel, Major Lloyd George, is negotiating with a committee of miners and owners in London. The Minister has accepted agreement between both sides o/ the industry to pay, in addition to the minimum wage, certain allowances provided for in the existing district agreements to men working, in excessive dust and water. The Minister undertook to consider other matters' concerning allowances peculiar to South Wales when the men return to work. The men's representatives joined with the Minister in urging the.men to return to work. The meeting also considered an overhaul of the ' wage structure, which is very complicated. The Minister submitted proposals which both sides agreed to' consider. ■