PLAN FOR MINERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24868, 14 April 1944, Page 3

PLAN FOR MINERS

MEN'S ACCEPTANCE WAGES STABILISATION (Reed. 6.10 p.m.) LONDON. April 18 The rank and file in the British coalfields to-day agreed to accept the Government plan of stabilising wages in the industry for four years. It has already been accepted by the miners' leaders. What may prove one of the most important conferences in the history _of Britain's coalmining industry is being held in London, states an earlier message. Delegates from the coalfields.are meeting to discuss the serious situation in the industry, fnd the miners' leaders are seeking authority from them to continue negotiations with the Government and owners, also.', a mandate to enter into a final settlement. Recent strikes have put the miners' leaders in an awkward position. The' men stayed out against the advice of their leaders, who had accepted the Government's four-vear plan. They are now seeking a mandate from the miners and there is some tiilk of resignation of leaders if this is not forthcoming. With the resumption of work a more peaceful atmosphere prevails in the industry, although it is known that many districts havd voted against the Government's proposals. HORSE MEAT SOLD AUSTRALIAN REVELATIONS (Reed. 11.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 13 In a report to the New South Wales Government, the police state that it is reasonable to assume;that meat from cattle suffering from tuberculosis, as well as horse meat, is being sold for human consumption. .» The report also alleges that some men with criminal records were engaged in the horsemeat business. One man with a record, the report adds, had an extensive business supplying meat to reputable food suppliers and pastrycooks. He admitted selling horse meat as well as beef. The report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly to-day following police investigations into allegations that horse meat was being sold for human consumption. The Premier, Air. W. J. McKell, said he wished to assure the public that necessary action had been taken to prevent' any abuses arising in the future. The regulations to be introduced might in certain circumstances appear to be drastic, but they _lf®te necessary to meet the position ivbioh Jiadbaen'tiisokffled.