INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 58, 4 March 1912, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL UNREST.

THE COALMINING TLOvLLE IN !v\ G LA .N I>. NKG JT LPl'iD.-S SG.ME.sDLD. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) London, ‘March 2. Negotiations have been suspended to enable the delegates to obtain the views of their districts upon the guarantees for a fair day’s work. The newspapers of both parties sharply criticise the miners for refusing to adopt the Premier’s proposal. Mr Smillie, who is the brains of the present movement, has been the chief spokesman throughout. Messrs Edwards, Abraham, Ashton find Burt, the older leaders, have evidently lost their influence. The Daily News states that the decision of the Federation was reached without discussion. The schedule was obtained after a division, wherein a bare majority of tlie extremists overbore the moderates.

Mr Churchill, addressing the Eighty Club, warned the miners of the Injuries that would bo inflicted on the public. At South Shields, where 7,000,000 tons of coal are shipped annually, business is at a standstill, and many thousands are idle. Five thousand at Sheffield are idle, and forges employing 40,000 will close on Monday. Armstrong, Whitworth and Co. announce that they are closing immediately if settlement is delayed, as they hold practically no stock of coal. All the Cardiff ironworks will close within four days. The Derbyshire ■ironworks have closed.

The Great Central Railway refuses to deliyer coal in transit to Sheffield, asserting that they have the same statutory powers to seize coal for their own as was exercised in the strike of 1893, subsequently paying the market price. Lincolnshire masters have granted the Lancashire weavers a 5 per cent, advance.

Mr Smillie,interviewed, said the Government asked the miners’ representatives to justify the schedule. They would do this, but could not negotiate with a view to a possible solution, as the executive of the Federation were unauthorised to agree to a reduction; The owners must first signify their acceptance of the rates. He continued: “We have already reduced the figures to the lowest point, and are not prepared to leave it to the Government officials to say what is a reasonable minimum.” The Government says that the stiff and uncompromising attitude of the miners has grievously disappointed ‘their friends. rThe prevalent impression in the House of (Dommonsis that the nyners have committed a gigantic blunder. ‘ Hitherto public opinion has been with them. Their demand for nothing but the schedule rate will alienate public sympathy. The Daily Telegraph says the nation is confronted with the simple, straightforward threat that the Miners’ Federation will break the country if they cannot bent it.

The Daily Nbavs says that the miners, ■have how put themselves in the Avrong. Lie Government pannot permit all the details of settlement to be imposed on a national industry without any examination. WARNING TO THE MINERS. (Received 4, 8.30 a.m.) London, March 3. Mr Ure, speaking at Exeter, said the coal trouble . must be mutually •settled. Otherwise the Government would not shirk its responsibility and would give legislative effect to the minimum wage. The real difficulty was in the men fixing a certain amount and refusing to discuss the situation. Ho thought that on reflection they would not adhere to the position lest they lose the country’s support. BRISBANE WATERSIDERS FIRM. Brisbane, March 2. At a meeting of the Avaterside unions it Avas decided to remain on strike. The Miners’ Union takes a ballot on whether to sign the employers’ agreement, which provides for the resumption of work on the old conditions, excepting that they must give a fortnight’s notice before leaving work. The Employers’ Federation reports that ■> plettjty of labour is offering through the free labour bureau to supply all requirements. SHIPPING TRADE CONFERENCE. Sydney, March 3. The Commomvealth steamship owners represented to the Arbitration Court that a dispute has occurred in Queensland and Sydney in connection with Inter-state shipping, and that there is grave danger of it spreading to other parts of the CommonAA'ealth. The Court has summoned a conference between Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne steamship oAvners and Waterside workers for Friday to consider the situation.

BRICK CARTERS STRIKE. Sydney, March 3. The brick carters struck for an increase of 6d per 1000 in cartage rates. The advanced price of horse feed and dearness of living is the cause. AN ADVANCE GRANTED. New York, March 2. The mill Owners at Lawrence have conceded a five per cent, increase of wages. It is believed there is a probability of this ending the strike.