BRITISH MINES

Grey River Argus, 27 August 1946, Page 5

BRITISH MINES

INCREASE GF LABOUR Communist Official’s Proposal USERS MUST BE PRODUCERS CRec. 11.30) LONDON, Aug. 26. Mr Arthur Horner, a Communist, of Glamorgan, who has been elected as secretary to the National Union of Mine Workers, made his first public speech since his election to miners at Tonypandy. He said: “Production needs are so great that the time has come to apply the slogan: ‘lf a man won’t work neither shall he eat.’ ” He said: “The present manpower could not produce the coal that Britain needed for full employment. A large increase in the manpower for the coal pits was vital. The majority of British coal miners accepted it as an obligation to do everything possible to produce sufficient coal. But. at the same time, it was not their full responsibility. All of the people must share the burden involved. They must be ready to contribute manpower and also to use hard won fuel with the utmost efficiency and care. The said: “The fact that a person had sufficient money without needing to work should not entitle him to participate in commodities without his contributing to their production.” OUTPUT FALLING <BY 95,000 TONS A WEEK (Rec. 11.30) LONDON, Aug. 26. It is officially announced that coal output in Britain had dropped 95,000 tons weekly. The drop is partly due to holidays, and partly to absenteeism of miners. POWER RESTRICTIONS IN ADELAIDE (Rec. 8.45). ADELAIDE, August 26. Power and transport restrictions will continue in Adelaide as a result of a conference of major consumers with the Premier, Mr Playford, today. Mr Playford said the production of coal was now far outstripped by the consumption throughout Australia. The future appeared uncertain. LABOUR OPPOSES COMMUNISM (Rec. 8.45). BRISBANE, August 26. A pledge that Labour would wage a savage war- against Communists this election, was made by the Queensland Labour Party campaign director, Mr C. C. Fallon. He denied allegations by Mr Menzies that Labour and Communist candidates would exchange preferences at the poll. RANK AND FILE VOTE TO STOP STRIKE SYDNEY, August 23. An eight-day strike at two northern coal mines was settled by a method unique in State mining history. The miners adjudicated on their own dispute and voted for the resumption of work. At a meeting of . miners at which nearly all the strikers were present the secretary of the company debated the matter with the lodge secretary. The matter was .then put to the vote and an overwhelming majority decided on resumption.