TROUBLE AMONGST THE MINERS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12666, 20 January 1912, Page 5

TROUBLE AMONGST THE MINERS.

IS A' STRIKE INEVITABLE? "A ' MOMENTOUS DECISION. BUT MEN PREPARED FOR PEACE. (Press Assn. — By Telegraph.— Copyright.) LONDON, January 19. The Birmingham conference represents, six hundred thousand men. Mr Enoch Edwards, AA r ho presided, in a pathetic speech, hoped thero would be a settlement without any miserable strike. Tlie conference adjourned to enable the executive to complete a- report. The general opinion of the delegates seems to favor exempting the aged and infirm from the operations of the minimum Avage. Theyi^are willing . to. discuss Avhether a . joint committee of masters and men could exclude habitual malingerers. Prior to .' the conference . council the Miners' Federation considered the minimum Avages demanded in, various districts, particularly South Wales. These aroused a bitter controversy.". Mr W. Harvey, M.P., states that the demands of Wales and Northumberland exceeded reasonable limits, doubtless owing to the Avild statements of, local leaders, Avhose panacea, for all ills was the .doctrine of doAvn tools. Mr Harvey added that 7*5 -per cent, already received the minimum^wage, and- another 15. per cent, could get it without- ..■__..; strike through the good: management of the mines affording fair facilities ~to all miners. Mr Barnes, M.P.. said that in view of the ballot and the masters' attitude a strike seems inevitable. If the meeting of the masters and men at South Wales indicated the employees' spirit, he did not think much of the prospect of an early settlement. (Received January 20, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON, January 19. The miners' conference has resolved to formallly tender notices in every district, terminating work at the end of February. It was agreed to inform the masters that the men were prepared to continue peace negotiations in: ; __.& districts and also in regard 'to~ a national strike.. . . The , conference adjourned until February 1.- • ' '