MINERS' WORST DAY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17152, 30 September 1926, Page 8

MINERS' WORST DAY

GENERAL RETURN TO WORK OWNERS GAINING, GROUND HEARTILY SICK OF STRUGGLE (Eloc. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received September 30, 2 p.m.) LONDON, September 29. To-day was the worst day for the miners .since the strike began. There are now 149,223 employed in coal-pro-ducing "at pits, an increase of 11,745 for the day. Breakaways also commenced at Rhondda Valley, where, before the strike, 100,000 were employed. The leaders are making frantic efforts to counter the movement, urging the men to await- the result of the district delegates''/conference, which opened to-day at. London. The rush back to work is regarded as most serious, many delegates expressing the opinion that if a settlement is much longer delayed there will be no jobs for the remaining strikers to till. Moreover, every 10,000 returning makes the coal-owners less inclined to meet the federation. This viewpoint dominated the whole discussion regarding the Government's offer of an appeal tribunal. There i.s a- general feeling that the districts should be consulted. Nevertheless, there was a, marked difference of opinion regarding 'what advice should be tendered to the districts regarding the offer. The matter was finally adjourned till to-morrow. The debate showed that the responsible leaders are heartily sick of .the struggle, and. few now favor a. fight to a finish. A quaint sidelight on the coal dispute i.s that ordinarily October 1 is fixed. as lighting day for tires in Government offices, but instructions to-day were given no* to light them, unless the temperature is below 58. Each fireplace then will bo rationed with lOlbs of coal dailv.