COAL DISPUTE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 176, 26 June 1926, Page 9

COAL DISPUTE

PITS SHOULD REOPEN. H PLEA FOR ARMISTICE. MR COOK’S SUGGESTION. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received June 26, 11.50 a.m. LONDON, June 25. A plea for an armistice in tho coal dispute was made by Mr A. J. Cbok, secretary of the Miners’ Federation, at Coventry. He suggested that the Government withdraw the Hours Bill and agree to reopen tlie pits immediately on the April terms. Then arrangements could be made with the workmen’s representatives whereby a settlement could immediately be reached which would give the miners justice and secure finality without compulsory arbitration. Let the Government, he said, hold out the hand of friendship by making a definite, clear attempt at a peaceful settlement. Then he and his colleagues would give every assistance, provided that the miners were guaranteed economic security.— Reuter.

FOREIGN COAL IMPORTS. EFFORTS AT BLOCKADE. LONDON, June 24. The Miners’ International Committee, meeting to London, carried a resolution to intensify the efforts _in each country to prevent coal entering Britain, and to render every financial assistance to the British miners, regarding the attempt by the Government to increase the working hours as a serious menace to the miners, and to workers in all industries, an attempt which, if successful, would certainly affect the international struggle for shorter hours.

A labour official report does not refer to a general miners’ strike on the Continent envisaged by Mr Cook, secretary of tbo Miners’ Federation.— Reuter.