BRITISH AFFAIRS

Southland Times, Issue 18936, 24 September 1920, Page 5

BRITISH AFFAIRS

THE COAL CRISIS. MINERS’ DECISION STILL UNCERTAIN. TRIPLE ALLIANCE .AND THE PREMIER. (Bv Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, September 22. The miners’ final decision remains uncertain. There is a strong belief in some quarters that the Triple Alliance will en deavour to open negotiations, for which the Government keeps the door open. It is reported that the railwaymen intend to intervene in the direction of a settlement. A fateful meeting of the Triple Alliance, attended by about 500 delegates, was held to-day to discuss the threatened coal strike. Late in the afternoon an official statement was issued that the Congress had decided to send a deputation to Mr Lloyd George to urge acceptance by the Government of the miners’ claims. The Congress remains in session in order to receive the report of the result of the conference. Mr Lloyd George has agreed to meet the deputation. TRIPLE ALLIANCE AND THE PREMIER A LONG INTERVIEW. (Reuter’s Telegrams.) LONDON. September 22. (Received September 23, 9.15 p.m.) The Triple Alliance deputation had a three and a-half hours’ conference with Mr Lloyd George in the hope of composing the coal dispute. Nothing was settled, but apparently the proceedings were not abortive, as the deputation arranged to report to their congress tomorrow. The feeling of the latter will most probably influence the deputation at a later meeting which is likely to be arranged with Mr Lloyd George. THE RAILWAYMEN. TALK OF SIMULTANEOUS STRIKE. LONDON. September 22. (Received September 23, 5.30 p.m.) It has been assumed that the railwaymen are reluctant to strike in support of the miners, but Mr Bromley, secretary of the Engine-drivers' and Firemen's Uninn, argues that a* the railways cannot he run long without coal it is better to strike with the miners and hasten the end. instead of expending the Union’s funds in out-of-work pay during a protracted struggle. AUSTRALIAN WHEAT FREIGHTS. BRITISH SHIPOWNERS LOTH TO ACCEPT CHARTERS. I.ONDON, September 22. (Received September 23, 5.5 p.m. I The Australian Press Association learns that shipowners are little disposed to accept charters for wheat at the terms the Australian committee are offering, which compare very unfavourably with the freights earned on voyages to other parts of the world. The shipowners estimate that 160s a ton is the very lowest freight which they could profitably accept, as the steamers must go out in ballast owing to little outward cargo offering. It is pointer! out in this connection that, the shortage of outward cargo is partly due to rhe fact that Australia is now manufact,tiring large quantities of rails, tram rails, and cement.