COAL MINERS' STRIKE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 295, 7 April 1921, Page 5

COAL MINERS' STRIKE.

A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK.

iß> Ptoctnb Toleirrßoh.—Copyright.) •Received April 7, 9.30 a.m. LONDON,, April &• The Premier wrote to the; Miners'Federation suggesting the desirableness oi resuming', 'negotiations and offering the good, of the 1 Government to bring both parties ' together, and they subsequently agreed • j to, meet.—A. and N. Z; .cable. ' Received April 7, 9.&Q a.m. LONDON,, April (\ Mr Lloyd George has received replies from both the owners and the miners agree. ,ing-to meet.—A. and N.Z. eable. HITCH I^SiSoTIATIONS. Received April 7. 10.40 a.m. LONDON, April. 6. Mr Lloyd George in the Douse of Commons this evening announced that after tho 'owners and miners had agreed to a '■ conference a hitch had arisen. I'll© Miners' Federation had now intimated thatifc could not/comply with the essential condition for the resumption of negotiations that pumping bo resumed. The Premier appealed to tho federation \to reconsider its decision as it would be impossible for the mine owners and the Government Jo enter into a discussion which necessarily would take some time while the mines were being flooded and destroyed. The House of Commons agreed to tho emergency regulations by 270 votes to 60. -rA. and N.Z. cable.

REFUSAL TO MEET OWNERS. LONDON, April 6. Mr Hartshorn, tho miners' leader, states that there will bo no meeting with tho owners on tho conditions laid down by tlio Premier.—A. and N.Z. cable. CONTINUATION OF DISORDER. Received April 7, 8.45 a.m. LONDON, April 6. Disorder continues iii Lanarkshire,, and many strikers havo been arrested for interfering with pumpmen.—A. and N.Z. cable. SITUATION MUST BE FACED.

LONDON, April 5.. Speaking in the House of Commons during tho debate on the coal minors' striko, Mr Lloyd George pointed out that Iho public dennnded tho termination of State control of industry, and tho payment* of a subsidy to any industry out of taxation would be indefensible. Tho postponement of decontrol for one month _ would only mean that the present.situation must bo faced a month hence. . He urged that masters and men meet and seek a perma-nent-settlement with or without Government intervention.

The debate was then adjourned, and tho Government's action in consenting to an adjournment caused a more hopeful feeling- based on tho impression that an effort will be made forthwith to re-open negotiatioiia.—A. and N.Z. cable.

THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE. LONDON, April 6. Mr Bromley,'secretary of the Locomotive Men's Society, says that ho'-cannot understand the attitude of the Tripe Alliance. If it had acted unitedly against the Government and the coal owners, it could have prevented a strike. It was peculiar that such a powerful body should wait until its constituent parts were striking before considering the position. In his opinion the alliance had lost its opportunity. Mr Bromley points out that his society does not belong to the alliance, and is taking no action—A. and N.Z. cable. DECISION OF~TRANSPORTERS. Received April 7, 9.30 a.m. . LONDON, April 6. The conference of transport _ workers in London decided to give the miners all the assistance in their power to whatever extent necessary. They are t now,negotiating with the raihvaymen alia miners.—A. and N.Z. cable.

INTIMIDATION RESENTED. Received April 7, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, April 6. Mass meetings at Watt-sown and Ynyshir passed resolutions expressing resentment at the withdrawal of pumpmen, intimidation of officials, and picketing, which they declared the-.'lodge* had not authorised. According to other Welsh reports, several mines in consequence of flood damage will require six to 12 months to return to working order. The • oldest, whiclr is expensive to work, will probably never be re-opened, —A. and N.Z. cable. TOWNSHIP IN DARKNESS. Received April 7, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, April 6. A number of casualties followed oncounters between the police and _ the strikers. At, Cowdenbeath the minors repeatedly broke the police cordon and dislocated the street lighting, plunging the township into darkness. Police reinforcements have been despatched—A. and !i.6. cable. GOVERNMENT FULLY PREPARED. LONDON, April 0. In tho space of a few hours last evening 3000 foptguards converted Kensington Garden into a military camp full of active service- conditions, including a wireless telephone installation. Their arrival was a complete surprise to the public, and is an indication that the Government is inlly prepared for a rail or transport strike. Jim leading parks will bo used ns food depots as in previous crisis.—A. and N.Z. cablo. MINERS' WAGES IN HOLLAND. Rcccivicd April 7, 8.45 a.m. . AMSTERDAM, April 6. The Coal Commission is discussing wage reductions. Tho minors are demanding State Aid to maintain tho present rates. Tho owners now offer to continue tho present wages during April, with six per cent, reduction next month.—A. and N.£. cable.