MINING DEADLOCK

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12453, 22 May 1926, Page 5

MINING DEADLOCK

NO WAY FOUND TO PREVENT CONTINUANCE OF STOPPAGE

GOVERNMENT SEES NO HOPE.

“NO REDUCTIONS BEFORE REORGANISATION,” SAY THE MINERS

The Briti.h miners refuse to agree to any reduction of their wages until the coal industry is «*e organised. The Government, it is believed, thinks nothing more can be done just now, short of taking control o c mines. A prolonged struggle is feared.

Australian and N.Z. Cabin Association. By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received May 21, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 21. Cabinet late at night considered. the coal deadlock at length. The “Daily Express” understands that Cabinet decided that no f ti er steps t n b_ taken immediately. Member- of the C .binet expressed th- opinion* that the deadlock is board to continue for some time. _ It is considered impoossible, if the situation is to b handled by t e present negotiators, to impose a settlement without taking control cf the mines. Tho “Daily Herald” understands that the miners have sent a letter to the railway unions on the subject of handling'coal. Editorially it says: “Let Mr Baldwin test the issue by a general election,” and it asks: “Does he dare ?’ ’ HOPES NOT REALISED LONDON, May 21. The miners’ executive has adjourned. There has been no communication from Downing street. The coal negotiations came to a deadlock, despite certain hopes which vested on to-day’s conference. In addition to maintaining a determined attitude against a reduction pending reorganisation, the miners expressed an objection to a Wages Board, with tin independent chairman, being empowered to abolish the national nnm,',um a no rnfotre varying minima throughout the districts. A resolution containing these objections was forwarded to Mr Baldwin. The miners’ officials reassembled in conference this afternoon, and adjourned till to-morrow. The executive is meeting to-night, mainly on account of the possibility of an answer arriving from Mr Baldwin. p The officials do not disguise the gravity of the situation, but declare that thev will solidly adhere to their nolicv. Tliev are expected to discuss to-morrow financial arrangements to carry on in event of a continued deadlock. AN IMPOSED SETTLEMENT? (Sydney “Sun” Cable.l The “Daily Mail” says that the miners rejected Mr Baldwin’s proposals because they believe the chairman of the Wages Board will possess arbitrary powers in event of a dispute. Tlie owners and miners have thus again refused to help themselves. This will necessitate the Government s imposing a, settlement, in which its

powers will be limited, leading probably to a prolonged stoppage. NATION’S WELFARE AT STAKE It is clear from Mr Churchill’s review in the House of Commons that the future prosperity of the country depends on the early solution of the coal deadlock. The outcome of today’s conference is distinctly unfavourable. Not only the miners, but the owners alsi object to the Government’s terms. Meanwhile, Mr Baldwin is remaining at Downing street ready to meet o ther side. It is unlikely that London will be seriously affected for at least two months. Essential industries have large reserves, though they are stringently safeguarding them. Drastic cuts in the train services have .beer, made. The shortage is also reflected in the streets where electric, signs arccut off, and there is a minimum of street lighting. The windows of large stores are in darkness. GERMAN MINERS PROMISE AID Steps which the German miners are taking to help, the British miners are indicated in a telegram from the secretary of the German Miners’ Federation, received by Mr Frank Hodges, stating that a conference of miners in Germany passed a resolution promising the miners in Great Britain the greatest possible help, by carrying out the international resolutions already passed, that the German miners must refuse to work overtime, prevent the export of coal to Britain, and contribute as much money as possible to help the British miners. Hie message says that the British struggle must be a step forward for the international control of tlie coal trade. THE RUSSIAN MONEY In the House of Commons, asked if the Government could take steps to prevent the £260,000 sent by the Russian Trades Unions to assist the minors* from coming into the country, (he Home Secretary, Sir W. JoynsonHicks, said that whatever might he felt regarding tlie motives of the donors or tlie recipients, the Government did not feel able to intervene, but the money remitted for the furthrance of the general strike was on a different footing. He had stopped £IOO,OOO sent for fonenting an illegal attack on the community. MINERS’ DELEGATES GO HOME (Received May 22, 1.20 a.m.) LONDON, May 21. No coal developments are expected until next week. The miners’ delegates have gone to their homes.