STRIKE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 16 October 1920, Page 5

STRIKE

MINERS CEASE WORK TO-DAY (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). -Australian dr, N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, Oct. 15. Official.—-The miner* cease work tomorrow. After the Miners’ Gonicronee decided to strike. Mr. Smiliie made a passionate. appeal for unity. He expressed regret that a. strike had been 1 orced by the obduracy of the Government, and their unwillingness to recognise the equity of the miners’ demands. lie bad taken oorta.in stops in iho hopo e of averting a groat industrial struggle. Tie would now fight with them unto the hitter end. The (Vml'erence agreed to permit sufficient workers to remain to keep the mines, in order. . LONDON, October 15. If a strike occurs, it is probate that racing will bo immediately stopped. The Food Ministry will not attempt to break the strike, but will see that the people are fed. In this duty they look for -sympathetic assistance from Labour. If necessary, a clearing house will he established in Hyde Bark, as during the railway strike. The newspapers are dismayed at the Rorion<snGs,s <qf i-hf> they admit the Government has done everything to avert ( rouble. Ihe only hope now is that the miners loaders mav seize upon a phrase in Mr. Lloyd George’s letter, that he is still ready to explore every avenue which may lead to a peaceful solution. The leaders seem to bo afraid of losing tonne with the rank and tile if they negotiate further. All the older leaders are personally averse to a strike which is being engineered by young extremists. If a strike commences it must last at least, a fortnight, as it will Bike that time to arrange a Ballot, which, alone can end the strike. c , .... It is officially stated that. Mr Smilhe is ill, and was unable- to take an active part in yesterday’s conference Ho feels the rebuff to his personal authority keenly. , ir LONDON. Oct. 15.

in order to conserve coal for homo requirements, the Government has put an embargo on export from the United Kingdom, to take- immediate effect. The" Government is in every way prepared to cope with the situation, has sufficient railway coat supplies to enable a full service to be maintained for an appreciable period. it has completed all details for the transport of food by road and sea, if necessary. If the men’s leaders are able, to make a further suggestion; and grant a further conference with the Government, or are able to show they can lead tho men, who are now apparently forcing their hands Mr. Lloyd Gsorgo will ho willing to meet them. st.*tf.mrnt"rF premier. LONDON, Oct. 11. Replying to the miners’ leaders announcement respecting the confer encei decision, the Premier drew attention to the gravity thereof at a time when industry was confronted with great and increasing difficulties .and the prospectof unemployment causes great anxiety. The Government’s aim was to secure increased output, in order to increase the revenue, lower the post of living, provide exports and assist to pay for imports. The Government’s proposals were supremely reasonable.