SEEKING A SETTLEMENT

Evening Star, Issue 19351, 10 September 1926, Page 5

SEEKING A SETTLEMENT

BRITISH COAL STRIKE MR CHURCHILL'S EFFORTS APPEAL TO OWNERS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright 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 as to how far they wero 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 families are waiting an opportunity of regaining their weekly wages, and procedure mqst be planned to effect this as quickly as possible on fair and sound terms. District settlemenLs, concluded in conformity with agreed general principles, should form the basis on which work may immediately he resumed. It ought not to be difficult to conclude a national agreement governing many, if not all. the points which have so fur been dealt with on a national basis.” The letter a compromise between the methods of fixing previous agreements and the method of distrkdCsettlements on which the owners now insist. The principle of a national settlement is retained, hut the way is opened lor variations between the districts These, however, must ho endorsed nationally. . The ‘ Daily Herald ’ says the question is whether the miners generally will approve of the plan; but it understands that Mr Churchill gave an outline to the leaders. MINERS’ CLAIMS MODIFIED. LONDON, September 9. It is understood that the minors have abandoned their claim for a subsidy, and 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 tho ultimate wages for the different districts. The seven-hour day is to bo retained.