Six Million May Be Called Out

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3336, 3 May 1926, Page 7

Six Million May Be Called Out

Coal Negotiations Break Down.

Trade Union Movement Supports

Miners.

In Favour of General Strike.

Against the faint hope, held to the last, that the coal crisis in Britain -will yet be averted, is' arrayed in this morning’s issue a whole phalanx of facts and indications that the Old Country is on the verge of the greatest industrial upheavals in its history.’ Following the break-down of negotiations in which the Premier, Mr Baldwin, appears to have failed signally in his role of mediator, the King has proclaimed that a 4 ‘state,of emergency” exists, troops have been moved into the coal districts, rationing of heat and light has been instituted and ten Civil Commissioners have been invested with drastic powers in controlling communication and food supplies. The whole Trade Union movement is declared to be behind the miners, and the Trade Union conference Jms declared in favour of a general strike, to begin at midnight on Monday (mid-day Tuesday in New Zealand), If this is acted upon, six million workers may, early or late, become involved in this internecine strife. Latest messages, however, indicate that the negotiators are still in session.

Midnight on Monday

Mr A. Bevan, ICC. (secretary of the Dockers’ Union) expressed the Council's appreciation of the proposals for action, which were not submitted until the Emergency Powers Act was signed. “We did not declare war on the community. War was declared hy the Government. Wo are selecting certain vital trades to bear the first brunt of the contest. There must be no argument as to who shall remain hr and who come out; you must take and obey orders. Any members told to operate voluntary services must not be. interfered with.” Mr Ramsay MacDonald said the Government had decided to fight the people's standard of living. He believed they would have got peace last evening, and the decision of the Government to break off negotiations was a crime against society. It was an unnecessary, wicked and criminal fight. The whole question would be raised in the House of Commons on Monday. They wore standing by the miners, but were still hoping something would happen before then to enable the workers to continue at work. Owners’ Tardy Offer “NEVER WAS SUCH A BLUNDER.” (Received Sunday, 7 p.m.) LONDON, May 1. The coal strike has begun. In rejecting the owners’ offer, the miners said they regretted that though the Coal Commission’s report was issued on 6th March, the owners only submitted a proposal as late as April 30th, at 1.15 In the afternoon, when two-thirds of the mine workers were already locked but. They added that seven hours were sufficient m which to supply all the coal for which a market could be found; also that this was as long as a man should pursue that dangerous and arduous calling. The Trades’ Union delegates, after hearing Mr J, H. Thomas and other speakers, adjourned early in the morning until noon. Mr Thomas, who was pale and tired, dramatically declared that never ha d the Government made such a blunder. He stressed the fact tjiat the first definite, concrete, national proposal was only submitted yesterday afternoon, though it la nearly eight months since the Coal Commission was constituted. Last Efforts Fruitless NEGOTIATIONS SHIPWRECK ON WAGES ISSUE. (Received Sunday, 7 p.m.) LONDON, May 1. The coal situation was critical all day long. Mr. Baldwin asked the miners to bo at his room at the House of Commons at 10.30 in the morning. They wore still awaiting him there at noon, ho being still engaged in Downing Street, negotiating with the coalowners’ committee, whose revised offer was understood to bo based on the eight hours day at a slightly reduced wage. Meanwhile, a hurriedly convened meeting of the general council of the Trade Union Congress intensified the oxjjectancy of dramatic developments. The meeting lasted for an hour and subsequently the fifteen hundred delegates to the conference of affiliated unions assembled, awaiting the outcome of the conversations between Mr Baldwin and the miners at the House or Commons. It was expected a statement would be made in the House of Commons at four o'clock this afternoon, but the House adjourned withoult a statement being made, Mr. Baldwin having loft the miners still considering the owners’ proposals. The belief that a general strike was inevitable was

HOUR FOR GENERAL STRIKE.

WHOLE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT BEHIND MINERS.

(Received Sunday, 7 p.m.)

LONDON, May 1. The Trade Union conference declared In favour 1 of a general strike at midnight on Monday. The conference Intends to make volunteer arrangements to feed the people. Following this decision the King proclaimed that a state of emergency exists. The whole trade union movement is behind the miners, who threaten to call a general strike to their support, thus affecting five million workers, in addition to over one million miners, but it is considered possible that this weapon will be withheld at present an ( j will only operate gradually if the coal stoppage is prolonged.

Tho "Dally Express” says the total war chest of the Miners' Federation does not exceed four millions, but credit can be obtained through, other unions.

It is reported that Mr Baldwin yesterday said; "I am quite sure that If we fail to agree, wo shall all bo heavily blamed by tho country. There are times when a movement of this kind is favoured, but I do not believe such a feeling exists to-day. The hope that all would emerge from the struggle with credit, is gone and we, perhaps, are a bit ashamed of ourselves.” Never has a strike occurred when all parties wore so prepared for all eventualities. The Government’s plans are cut and dried and are already beginning to operate. The country has been divided Into ten areas, each controlled by a Civil Commissioner, who has drastic powers to make decisions concerning food supplies, transport, coal distribution and post office communications. The gas, electricity, and railway companies have been storing coal for months past, and It is estimated that they possess several months’ supply. There are ten or twelve million tons of coal lying at tho pits’ mouth or In course of transit. A census of commercial vehicles shows that over 200,000 are at the Government’s disposal. Troops Moved Into Mining Areas “WORKERS DID NOT DECLARE WAR.” UNNECESSARY AND CRIMINAL FIGHT. (Received Sunday, 7 p.m.) LONDON. May 1. The Government, as a precautionary measure, has moved detachments of troops into South Wales, Lancashire and Scotland. A memorandum Issued by the Trade Union Congress says tho trades involved in tho strike call include all forms of transport and printing trades, Including the press, iron and steel, chemicals and building works (except those omjjloycd in housing or hospital work), electricity and gas, but the sanitary services will bo continued. There will be no interference with health or food services. Tho memorandum prescribes regulations for trade union discipline and declares that any found Inciting the workers to riot must bo dealt with immediately. The chairman of the Trades’ Union Conference said that trade unionists fully supporting tho council’s policy numbered 3,653,527, and those who negatives tho policy 49 911,

strengthened when it was unofficially announced that the miners had rejected the revised offer and it was learned a special Cabinet meeting had been summoned late in the afternoon.

Reorganisation before Reduction,

While arrangements were being made to bring the whole of the miners’ delegates and the executives of the two hundred unions affiliated with the Trades Union Congress together; the negotiations broke down, because the miners finally refused ta accept a reduced wage at the 1921 rate before the reorganisation .of the industry was attempted. The owners offered a uniform national minimum of twenty per cent. over the standard, namely the same percentage as for the 1921 settlement The offer was made on the basis of an eight hour day, because the opinion was held that in view of the poor state of the exporting districts, it would otherwise be impossible to offer an acceptable and uniform national minimum.

The Government, in conveying this offer to the Trades Unionists, guaranteed the carrying out of the Royal Commission's reorganisation proposal. The Trade Unionists replied, expressing willingness to co-operate with the Government in instituting such reorganisation, but declaring that until this reorganisation brought the industry to greater prosperity, the miners should not be called up to surrender any of their present inadequate -wages or conditions.

The Government then inquired whether, if the owners suspended their notices, the miners would accept the recommendation of the Royal Commission that, while reorganisation should proceed, the miners should consent to a reduction of wages in the meantime.

The minors replied that they were not prepared to accept a reduction of wages as a preliminary to the reorganisation of the industry, but were pi-epared fully to consider all difficulties of the industry when the Government initiated its schemes of reorganisation.

The Government finally offered, if the miners accepted the report of the Royal Commission, including the wages recommendations, to establish an advisory committee, on which the miners and owners would be represented, to advise the Minister of Mines as to the reorganisation of the Industry.

The miners' leader, In reply, made it clear that he would not accept any reduction of wages, so the negotiations terminated at 11.30, King Returns to London.

The King arrived from Windsor and attended a Privy Council at Buckingham Palace. At a demonstration of women Conservatives at Albert Hall, Sir Austen Chamberlain delivered a speech on the foreign and coal situations. The mooting closed with the audience standing in silent prayer for several minutes and the organ playing the National Anthem.

Tho Ministry of Health has circulated local authorities, stating that in the event of a national coal stoppage the Government would consider it accessary that tho part of tho organisation already arranged to cope with emergencies should bo set in readiness to operate. Accordingly tho Ministry is transmitting a list of civil commissioners and their divisional staffs, which will be established on the issue of the proclamation under the Emergency Powers Act, should the Government deem such a proclamation necessary in tho national Interests. Tho circular adds that if tho stoppage Is confined to tho coal industry, it is hoped it will not be necessary to expand this emergency organisation extensively, or to call on recruits Jo arise in the maintaining of essential services, but in the event of a stoppage of other industries affecting such services, it is hoped the local authorities will co-operate to the fullest with the volunteer service committees. Faint Hope of Peace IF NEGOTIATIONS RESUMED AT ONCE. (Received Sunday, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 3. There is the possibility of an important development in the coal crisis. Last evening, on the invitation of the Premier, tho Trade Union Congress negotiating committee lengthily conferred with him and members of the Cabinet It is understood that during the course of tiie meeting, the Congress representatives stated that if negotiations were resumed immediately, there was a prospect, when the general strike was due to begin at midnight on Monday that tho threat would not bo carried out. The Congress representatives, it is understood, contend that owing to tho lateness of the owners’ offer, which was presented to them on Friday evening, there was no time for real negotiations on it “Peace to Men of Goodwill” BOTH SIDES TO USE RADIO FOR NEWS. (Received Sunday, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 2. "Keep steady! Remember that peace on earth cornc-s to men of goodwill,” was tho message that Mr. Baldwin wirelessly broadcasted to the nation last evening. The Premier’s use of this medium of communication is interesting in view of the reported intention of the Government to commandeer tho plant of the British Broadcasting Company in the event of the closing-down of the press. In referring to this suggested pos-

sibility, an official statement issued at the close of a long sitting of the Trade Union Congress during the afternoon says that the general Council of Congress is arranging direct communication with the offices of the trades unions, to which all authoritative reports and announcements will be made direct and it warns trade unionists to take no notice of any statement that may be broadcasted wirelessly or circulated in any other form. Coal Ships Called Back to Port MIXERS GLOOMY, BUT DETERMINED. (Received Sunday, 11.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 1. A conference of executives of the unions affiliated with the Trade Union Congress met in London secretly, to aiscuss a policy to support the miners. A resolution submitted provides foi an embargo on the handling of coal, especially imported coal at the docks, It does not contemplate a general strike at this stage, as the delegates believed negotiations would bo reopened. The miners’ delegates had previously sat and decided to leave the conduct of matters in the hands of the Council of the Trade Union Congress. Reports from the coalfields indicate that there is a general cessation of work. Everything is orderly. Tht miners are gloomy, but determined. Orders have been received in South Wales port to suspend the export oi coal and ships which have already sailed were ordered by wireless to return. This is an indication that all coal in the country will be put undet the control of the Government. The trade unions are offering to maintain the distribution of essential foodstuffs. A Temporary Expedient 8 HOURS TILL END OP 1039. (Received Sunday 7 p.m) LONDON, May 1. Correspondence between the Prime Minister and miners yesterday shows that in submitting the owners’ offer, Mr Baldwin reiterated his promise, made the previous day, that the existing seven hours’ day would remain on the Statute Book and that only temporary legislation would be used to provide for additional hours ana that the Government would establish a Commission not later than December 31, 1929, to advise whether, as the result of re-organisatlon or better trade, or both, the conditions of the coal industry had improved to such an extent to justify a reversion to the seven hpurs. The miners, in the course of thelt reply, pointed out that the proposal to Increase the hours was contrary to the findings of the Commission. Light and Heat Rationed STRICTEST ECONOMY ENJOINED. UNION DELEGATES FIVE HOURS WITH PREMIER. (Received Sunday, 11.35 p.m.) LONDON, May 2. The meeting of the Premier and members of the trade unions adjourned at 1.30 in the morning, after a five hours’ sitting. Mr J. H. Thomas, in an official announcement to the press, did not reveal the subject-matter of discussions, but said the matter had been adjourned with the hope of further negotiations to-day. The Deputy-Chief Civil Commissioner has issued orders restricting supplies of coal to private houses, industries, and businesses, prohibiting the use of lights for display and advertisement, and enjoining the strictest economy in gas and electricity. Any contravention of these directions will 1)0 punishable by imprisonment or a fine. Sir W. Joynson-Hicks (Homo Secretary) in responding to the toast of the Ministry at the Academy banquet, appealed to the commonsenso* and humanity of the people not to engage in internecine strife, but if there was to be an economic dispute, he hoped it would not widen its borders to a political dispute. The Government would carry out with unflinching determination its obligations to preserve life and law and order, with, ho believed, the assent and co-operation of all loyal men.