INDUSTRIAL STRIFE

Evening Star, Issue 19004, 28 July 1925, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL STRIFE

THE GOAL CRISIS GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION LIKELY Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, July 20. Mr Baldwin on Sunday examined the Coal Inquiry’s report, and hold a conference with Lord Stainfordham (the King’s secretary) and Mr W. C. Bridgeman.—Sydney ‘Sun’ Cable. OPINION IN POLITICAL CIRCLES. LONDON, July 27. The ‘Daily Express’ says there is a growing opinion in political circles that the Government will attempt to avert a struggle by giving what wjiid amount to a State loan to the coal industry on certain conditions.—A. and N.Z.‘Cable. RAILWAYMEN'S WARNING EjMBARGO ON COAL. LONDON, July 26. Mr C. T. Cramp, the railwayman's secretary, speaking at Woodford, warned railway companies of the seriousness of tlio proposed embargo on coal, which was essential because the railwaymen feared that a reduction of their wages would follow the reduction of the miners’ wages. If the railway companies dismissed men for refusing to handle coal the whole of the railwayman, ho said, would bo embroiled, resulting in the nearest approach yet seen to a general industrial upheaval, of which no one could foresee tho outcome. “ Further, as president of the International Transport Workers’ Federation,” lie added, “ I will do my utmost to prevent foreign coal coming in. If Air Baldwin is wise he will find a. way out of carrying on tho coal industry until a reasonable settlement is achieved.”—A. and N.Z. Gable. SHOULD HELP THEIR COMRADES. LONDON, July 27. Air J. Bromley (secretary of the Locomotive Engineers’ Society), at a mass meeting at King’s Cross, said that if tho railwaymon stood aside in the mining struggle they would suffer because the train services would he greatly restricted. The society’s funds would be drawn on in any case, and it would he better to spend the money going ini£. the tight with their comrades. Tho duty of the railwayman was to line up with the minors, who would fight to the death. —A. and N.Z. Cable. PRTAIE MINISTER TAKES ACTION. WILL HANDLE CRISIS HIMSELF. LONDON, July 27. (Received July 28, at 11.5 a.m.) Air Baldwin this morning, for the first time, intervened personally in the coal dispute. Ho conferred at Downing street for three-quarters of an hour with the committee of tTio Trade Union Congress, which is empowered io act for the minors. It is understood that, as tho result of the interview, tho Prime Alinistcr has undertaken io handle tho coal crisis himself. Air Baldwin was accompanied by Air W. C. Brldgoman (First Lord of the Admiralty), Sir Arthur Sioel-Alaitland (Alinistcr of Labor), and Air R. J. Lane-Fox (Alinistcr of Alines), An official statement says: “The Trade Union deputation urged the Prime Alinistcr to make an early pronouncement, requesting tho owners to postpone the notices, to withdraw their proposals, and to allow tho men to work on tho terms of tho present agreement, ponding negotiations. Tho Prime Alinistcr told the deputation that ho hoped to confer with the ]owners to-morrow.

It is understood from an authoritative source that the deputation suggested that some form of outside assistance to the coal-mining industry would bo necessary if further serious difficulties were to be avoided.— Reuter,