RAY OF HOPE

Southland Times, Issue 20012, 28 October 1926, Page 7

RAY OF HOPE

THE COAL DEADLOCK TRADE UNION CONGRESS ACTIVE INTERVIEW WITH MR BALDWIN (By Telegraph—Press Ass.-..—Copyright.) (Rec. 7.35 pan.) London, October 26. A delegation from the Council of the Trades Union Congress had a long interview with Mr Baldwin to-night. The Council is in a most difficult position as they are unable to get the miners to give them freedom to negotiate though the miners’ leaders are most anxious to save their faces and avoid an appearance of defeat. The Council is also anxious to rehabilitate itself as the mouthpiece of trades unionism. Lobby opinion is not optimistic regarding the Trade Union Council's proposal that there should be another conference of the miners, the owners and the Government to reach a settlement, but the T.U.C. is passing on Mr Baldwin’s replies to the miners’ executive to-morrow.—A. and N.Z. POSSIBILITIES OF SETTLEMENT. CONSIDERABLE CONJECTURE AROUSED. (Rec. 8.10 p.m.) London, October 27. Reports current early this morning hint at a possibility of something eventuating from the conversations between Mr Churchill and others ansi the Council of the Trades Union Congress headed by Mr Arthur Pugh, a former chairman, who recently appealed for a negotiated peace. The Daily Chronicle says it is reported that Lord Derby and perhaps also Lord Londonderry will be present. The Daily Express foreshadows the possibility of a settlement* based on district agreements and suggests the owners are prepared to offer more generous terms for an immediate return to work. Mr Churchill, speaking at Wanstead after the conversations, said the Government was as ready as ever to use its good offices to bring the parties together. It is even ready to legislate if one or o f her of the parties makes demands which are outrageously unfair.—A. and N.Z. “A BESTIAL GOVERNMENT.” “ADVANCE GUARD FOR THE OWNERS.” LABOUR MEMBER’S OUTBURST. (Rec. 7.38 pjn.) London, October 26. In the House of Commons Mr Purcell (Labour) declared: “It is a bestial Government acting as an advance guard for the mine owners.” He believed the Government desired to create disorder, to call in the troops and see if the soldiers would fire on their fellows. • Several Labour amendments to the emergency regulations were proposed and rejected. Mr. Lane-Fox said there would be difficulty in controlling coal prices. The country could not afford to do without foreign coal. If the price of home coal was reduced by control there would soon be a serious shortage of foreign. Finally the motion to adjourn till November 9 was carried by 166 votes to 66 and the House rose.—A. and N.Z. COAL SCARCE IN HOLLAND. Rotterdam, October 26. Coal has risen from 10/- to 60/- per ton. Traders are buying from America in order to fulfil contracts, as reserves are exhausted. For rhe first time in 30 years Holland is practicallv dependent on Westphalian coal. —A. & N.Z.