COAL MINERS OUT.

Southland Times, Issue 19859, 3 May 1926, Page 7

COAL MINERS OUT.

GENERAL STRIKE CALLED.

BRITAIN FACES PARALYSIS.

GRIM STRUGGLE PREDICTED.

TROOPS SENT TO COAL AREAS.

STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED

The coal stike began in Britain on Saturday, feverish eleventh hour negotiations having failed to avert a crisis.

Following this, the council of the Trade Union Congress declared a general strike to begin on Monday at midnight. Should this occur, it is estimated that 6,000,000 workers will be rendered idle.

Troops have been ordered to South Wales, Lancashire and Scotland in case of disturbances there. The Government is fully prepared for a general strike, and should the general strike become effective, the country will be divided into ten areas under the control of Civil Commissioners who will have drastic powers. Part of the emergency organisation has already been called into operation. Large stocks of coal are held by railways and gas companies and this is expected to be sufficient for several months.

Negotiations between the Government and the miners’ and owners’ representatives continued to the last possible minute. The miners were adamant and declined to accept an increase, in hours or even a temporary reduction in wages. The miners’ representatives complained that the owners’ proposals for a national agreement were not submitted until it was too late for them to be discussed adequately.

COAL STRIKE BEGINS.

OWNERS BLAMED FOR LATENESS OF PROPOSALS.

DRAMATIC ELEVENTH HOUR EFFORTS.

(Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, May 1 The coal strike has begun.

In rejecting the owners’ offer the miners said they regretted that though the Coal Commission’s report was issued on March 6 the owners only submitted their proposal as late as April 30 at 1.15 in the afternoon, when two-thirds of the mine workers were already locked out. They added that seven hours were sufficient in which to supply all the coal for which the market could be found, and were also as long as a man should pursue a dangerous and arduous calling. The Trades Union delegate, after hearing Mr Thomas and other speakers adjourned early in the morning until noon. Government Blamed. Mr Thomas, who was pale and tired, dramatically declared that never had the Government made such a blunder. He stressed the fact that the first definite concrete national proposal was only submitted yesterday afternoon, though it was nearly eight months since the Coal Commission was constituted.—A. and N.Z. FEVERISH ATTEMPTS AT SETTLEMENT. PRELIMINARY WAGE REDUCTION REFUSED. ARRANGEMENTS TO COPE WITH STRIKE. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, May 1. The coal situation was critical all day long. Mr Baldwin asked the miners to be at his room at the House of Commons at 10.30 in the morning. They were still awaiting him there at noon, he being still engaged at Downing Street negotiating with the Coal-owners’ Committee, who revised the offer, understood to be based on the eighihours day at slightly reduced wages. Trades Union Council Meets. There was meanwhile a hurriedly convened meeting of the General Council of the Trades Union Congress which intensified the expectancy of dramatic developments. The meeting lasted for an hour and subsequently 1,500 delegates to the conference of affiliated unions assembled awaiting the outcome of the conversations between Mr Baldwin and the miners at the House of Commons. It was expected that a statement would be made in the House of Commons at four this afternoon, but the House adjourned without a statement being made, Mr Baldwin having left the miners considering the owners’ proposals. The belief that a general strike was inevitable was strengthened when it was unofficially announced that the miners had rejected the revised offer and it was learned that a special Cabinet meeting had been summoned. Negotiations Break Down. Late in the afternoon, while arrangements were being made to bring the whole of the miners’ delegates and the executives of the 200 unions affiliated with the Trades Union Congress together, negotiations broke down because the miners finally refused to accept a reduced wage at the 1921 rath before the reorganisation of the industry. The owners offered a uniform national minimum of 20 per cent, over the standard, namely, the same percentage as in 1921. The settlement offer was made on a basis of the eight-hour day, because the opinion was held that in view of the poor state of the exporting districts it would otherwise be impossible to offer an acceptable uniform national minimum. The Government, in conveying this offer to the trade unionists, guaranteed the carrying out of the Royal Commission’s reorganisation proposal. The trade unionists replied expressing willingness

to co-operate with the Government in instituting such reorganisation and declaring that until reorganisation brought the industry greater prosperity the miners should not be called upon to surrender any of their present inadequate wages or conditions. The Government then inquired whether, if the owners suspended the notices, the miners would accept the recommendation of the Royal Commission that while reorganisation should proceed the miners should consent to a reduction of wages meantime. Wage Reduction Refused. The miners replied that they were not prepared to accept a reduction of wages as a preliminary to the reorganisation of the industry, but were prepared to fully consider all the difficulties of the industry when the Government initiated its schemes of reorganisation. The Government finally offered, if the miners accepted the report of the Royal Commission, including the wages recommendations, to establish an Advisory Committee on which the miners and owners would be represented to advise the Minister of Mines as to the reorganisation of the industry. The miners’ leader, in his reply, made it clear that he would not accept any reduction of wages, so negotiations terminated at 11.30. The King arrived from Windsor and attended the Privy Council at Buckingham Palace. There was a demonstration of women unionists at the Albert Hall. Sir Austen Chamberlain delivered a speech on the foreign and coal situations, and the meeting closed with the audience standing in silent prayer for several minutes and the organ played the National Anthem. Emergency Organisation. The Ministry of Health has circularised local authorities stating that in the event of a national coal stoppage the Government considers it necessary that part of the organisation already arranged to cope with an emergency should be set in readiness to operate. Accordingly the Ministry transmits a list of Civil Commissioners and divisional staffs which are to be established on the issue of a proclamation under the emergency powers of the Acts, should the Government deem such a proclamation necessary in national interests. Preparations to Meet General Strike. The circular adds, “If the stoppage is confined to the coal industry, it is hoped that it will not be necessary to expand this emergency organisation extensively or call on recruits to assist in maintaining essential services, but in the event of a stoppage of other industries affecting such services, it is hoped that local authorities will cooperate to the .fullest with service , committees.”—Reuter. GENERAL STRIKE DECLARED. BEGINS MIDNIGHT TO-DAY. STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, May 1. The Trade Union Conference has declared in favour of a general strike at midnight on Monday. The Conference intends to make volunteer arrangements to feed the people. Following this decision the King proclaimed that a state of emergency exists. 6,000,000 Workers Affected. The whole trade union movement is behind the miners, who threaten to call a general strike to their support, thus affecting 5,000,000 workers in addition to over 1,000,000 miners, but it Is considered possible that this weapon will be withheld at present and will only operate gradually if the coal stoppage is prolonged. Miners’ Fighting Fund. The Daily Express says that the total war chest of the Miners’ Federation does not exceed £4,000,000, but credit can be obtained through other unions.

It is reported that Mr Baldwin yesterday said, “I am quite sure if we fail to agree we shall all be heavily blamed by the country. There are times when a movement of this kind is favoured, but I do not believe such feeling exists to-day. The hope that all would emerge from the struggle with credit is gone and we, perhaps, are a bit ashamed of ourselves.” All Parties Ready. Never has a strike occurred when all the parties have been so prepared for all eventualities. The Government plans are cut and dried and are beginning to operate. The country has been divided into ten areas, each controlled by a Civil Commissioner, who has drastic powers to make decisions concerning food supplies, transport, coal distribution .and Post Office communications. Gas, electricity and railway companies have been storing coal for months past and it is estimated they possess several months’ supply. There are also 10,000,000 or 12,000,000 tons of coal lying at the pit’s mouth or in the course of transit. A, census of commercial vehicles shows that over 200,000 are at the Government’s disposal.—A. and N.Z. TROOPS SENT TO AFFECTED AREAS. HEALTH AND FOOD SERVICES TO BE MAINTAINED. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, May 1. The Government, as a precautionary measure, has moved detachments of troops into South Wales, Lancashire and Scotland. • A memorandum issued by the Trade Union Congress says the trades involved in the strike called include all forms of transport and printing trades (including the Press), iron, steel, chemicals and building works (except those employed on housing or hospital work), and electricity and gasworks, but sanitary services will be continued. There will be no interference with health and food services. A memorandum prescribes regulations for trade union discipline, and declares that any found inciting workers to riot must be dealt with immediately. The Chairman of the Trades Union Conference said trade unionists fully supporting the Council’s policy numbered 3,653,527, and those who negatived the policy 49,911. Mr Berin expressed to the Council the appreciation of the proposals for action which were not submitted until the Emergency Powers Act was signed. Vital Trades Selected. “We did not declare war on the community,” he said. “War was declared by the Government. We are selecting certain vital trades to bear the first brunt of the contest. There must be no argument as to who shall remain in and who come out. lou must take and obey orders. Any members told to operate voluntary services must not be interfered with.” “A Crime Against Society.” Mr Ramsay MacDonald said the Government had decided to fight the peoples’ standard of living. He believed they would have got peace last evening. The decision of the Government to break off negotiations was a crime against society. It was an unnecessary, wicked and criminal fight. The whole question would be raised in the House of Commons on Monday. They were standing by the miners, but still hoping that something would happen before then to enable the workers to continue work. THE HOURS QUESTION. MINERS’ FIRM STAND. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, May 1. Correspondence between the Prime Minister and the miners yesterday shows that in submitting the owners’ offer, Mr Baldwin reiterated his promise made <?n the previous day that the existing seven-hour day would remain on the Statute Book and that only temporary legislation would be used to provide additional hours and the Government’ would establish a Commission not later than December 3, 1929, to advise whether, as a result of reorganisation or better trade, or both, the conditions of the coal industry had improved to such an extent as to justify a reversion to the seven hours. The miners, in the course of their reply, said the proposal to increase hours was contrary to the findings of the Commission.—Reuter. “GLOOMY BUT DETERMINED.” MINERS CEASE WORK. GOVERNMENT CONTROL OF COAL PROBABLE. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, May 1. A conference of executives of the unions affiliated to the Trade Union Congress met in London secretly to discuss a policy to support the miners. The resolution submitted provides an embargo on the handling of coal, especially imported, at the docks, but does not contemplate a general strike at this stage. Delegates believed the negotiations would be reopened. The miners’ delegates previously sat and decided to leave the conduct of matters in the hands of the Council of the Trade Union Congress. Reports from the coalfields indicate that there was a general cessation of work. Everything is orderly. The’ miners are gloomy, but determined. Export of Coal Forbidden.

Orders have been received from South Wales ports suspending the export of coal. Ships which have already sailed were ordered by wireless to return. This is an indication that all the coal in the country is under Government control. The trade unions offer to maintain the distribution of essential foodstuffs.—Reuter.

“KEEP STEADY.” PREMIER’S WIRELESS MESSAGE. AN INTERESTING POSSIBILITY. London, May 2. “Keep steady, remember that peace on earth comes to men of good will,” was the message of Mr Baldwin, wirelessly broadcasted to the nation last evening. The Premier’s use of this medium of communication is interesting in view of the reported intention ( of the Government to commandeer the British Broadcasting Company in the event of a closing down of the Press, Referring to this suggested possibility an official statement, issued at the close of a long sitting of the Trade Union Congress during the afternoon, says, “The General Council of the Congress is arranging for direct communication with the offices bf trade unions to which all authoritative re-

ports and announcements will be made direct,” and warns trade unionists to take no notice of any statement that may be broadcasted wirelessly or circulated in any other form.—A. and N.Z. STILL A HOPE. RESUMPTION OF NEGOTIATIONS POSSIBLE. London, May 2. There is a possibility of an important development in the crisis. Last evening, on the invitation of the Premier, the Trade Union Congress Negotiating Committee lengthily conferred with the Premier and members of the Cabinet. It is understood that during the course of the meeting the Trade Union Congress representatives stated that if the resumption of negotiations were immediate, there was a prospect that when the general strike was due to begin at midnight on Monday, the threat would not be carried out. The Congress representatives, it is understood, contend that owing to the lateness of the owners’-.offer presented to them on Friday evening, there was no time for real negotiations thereon.—Reuter. PREMIER MEETS UNIONISTS. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF COAL. (Rec. 11.25 p.m.) London, May 2. A meeting of the Premier and members of the Trade Unions Council adjourned at 1.30 this morning, after a five-hours’ sitting. Mr Thomas, in an official announcement to the Presd, did not reveal the subject matter of the discussions, but said the matter had been adjourned in the hope of further negotiations to-day. The Deputy-Chief Civil Commissioner has issued restrictions on the supplies of coal to private houses and an industrial and business prohibition on the use of lights for display and advertisement, enjoining the strictest economy in the use of gas and electricity. A contravention of the directions is punishable by imprisonment or a fine. A Striking Appeal. Sir William Joynson-Hicks, responding to the toast of the Ministry at the Academy banquet, appealed to the commonsense and humanity of the people not to engage in internecine strife. If there was to be an economic dispute, he hoped it would not widen its borders to a political dispute. The Government would carry out with unflinching determination its obligations to preserve the life of the people and law and order, with, he believed, the assent and cooperation of all loyal men.—Reuter,