MINING CRISIS

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12196, 22 July 1925, Page 6

MINING CRISIS

NEGOTIATIONS IN PRIVATE PUBLIC INQUIRY HAMPERED. Reuter’s Telegram. ' LONDON, July 20. It is learned that discussions which may lead to important ‘ developments in the coal dispute are being held behind the scenes. It is suggested that possibly the owners will withdraw their notices in order to enable an open discussion to take place. At the Court of Inquiry, Mr Hugh' Macmillan announced that the Miners’ Federation had refused invitations to attend the inquiry. He, emphasised that the court was not going to deal sdlely with the wages and hours in the coal industry, but would investigate the causes and remedies for the trouble of the industry. Therefore he regreftted that the Miners’ Federation did not see its way to assist the investigation. The miners were not asking for the Withdrawal or the cancellation of the present agreement, but for the withdrawal of the owners’ proposals. “CREATE A REBEL SPIRIT” LABOUR MEMBER’S THREAT. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, Jqly 20. In a speech at Middlesbro’, the Labour M.P., Mr J. Beckett, -said that if the miners were locked out and the Government adopted military or other means, Labour members would refuse to spend time in the House of Comirjons, hut would go to the country and create a rebel spirit, wherever they went.