BRITISH AFFAIRS

Southland Times, Issue 19657, 6 October 1922, Page 5

BRITISH AFFAIRS

THE COAL TRADE. ANOTHER CRISIS THREATENED (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association). LONDON, October 4. A critical position has arisen in the coal industry. On behalf of the miners it is stated that wages are now 60 ]>oints below the cost of living, and it is suggested that & per ton be added to the pithead price Qi coal in order to secure a living wage. The owners declare that the men gener•Uy are not so badly off as is represented, and contend that the industry is not providing sufficient revenue to pay the increased wages, and that a further reduction of railway trans|K)rt charges is the only way to Mvive the trade. The Miners' Union executive is submitting proposals to the National Coal Board to meet the situation. THE RAILWAY SLUMP. TRAFFIC KILLED BY HIGH FARES LONDON, October 5. (Received October 6, 12.55 a.m.) A Blue Book, publisher remarkable evidence of the slump in railway traffic as the result of the increase in fares by 75 per cent. During 11)21 two hundred million fewer journeys were made compared with 1920. The receipts fell £10,000,000, the total being £246,000,000. The decrease in first-class passengers amounted to 56 per cent. The statistics make it clear that the increased fares are more than the . public can pay. Railway managers are meeting on Tuesday to consider the question of a general reduction. AEROPLANE DISASTER AT SWANSEA. NOSE DIVE INTO THE SEA. LONDON. October 3. On Monday three were killed through a Widden spiral nose dive of an aeroplane it Swansea. It fell into the sea, and all were drowned, as the occupants were strapped to the seats. Rescuers in boats were Unable to release them in time.