LANCASHIRE MILLS

Evening Star, Issue 20256, 17 August 1929, Page 14

LANCASHIRE MILLS

THE COTTOM DISPUTE GREAT RELIEF AT SETTLEMENT ARBITRATION DECIDED ON. P«*« Bj T«3*fr*ph—Copyright. LONDON, August 16. There was greatojoy in Lancashire at the news of the cotton dispute settlement, and crowds waiting in the streets at Blackburn, Oldham, and Bolton broke into cheers. The employers also made no secret of their relief. The conference lasted eleven. hours.

The court will consist of representatives of the employers arid the employees, with an independent chairman. The conference also agreed that .the Workers and the employers shall appoint a joint consultative copunitteo to discuss proposals for the improvement of the industry and for strengthening its competitive position. This committee will co-operate with the Government Committee of Inquiry, which has already been appointed.

The conference concluded in the most friendly atmosphere, with the shaking of hands and expressions of earnest intentions of working together for the benefit of the industry.—Australian Press Association, HITCHES POSSIBLE. (British Official Wrclcsn.l Pr«M Aniociation—By Telegraph—Copyright. HUG BY, August 13, Representatives of the employers and the operatives in the cotton industry met in Manchester to-day to discuss the setting up of a. court of arbitration and the terms of reference. Sir Horace Wilson (permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Labour) was present, and both sides agreed upon the principle, of arbitration. It is considered possible, however, that a difference or opinion may arise on the question of the constitution of the tribunal. Moreover, the operatives’ delegates have no power to negotiate the question of the reduction of wages. 'PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE. LONDON, August IC. (Received. August 17, at 11.35 a.m.) Mr Ramsay Macdonald in a, special message to the ‘ Daily Herald ’ welcoming the end of the cotton strike, states: “ Peace and co-operation are essential. The workers must feel that their interests are not being sacrificed. After all we work to live—not any kind of life—but to live decently. The coal industry ras allowed to Ire torn by senseless rivalry and competition. 1 now hope that the coal industry will be-prepared to put new energy and new spirit into the solution of its difficulties.”—Australian Press Association.