BRITISH MINERS' FEDERATION.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13644, 8 February 1913, Page 5

BRITISH MINERS' FEDERATION.

AN IMPORTANT SCHEME.

NATIONAL WAGES BOARD

(Received Feb. 7, 10.45 p.m.)

Loncton,- Feb."'/..

, Tlio council of the Miners' Federation "has drafted a scheme to establish cno board to; regulate wagtfs for. all tfco coalfields in Britain, and formulate- a national wages agreement based on tho earning capacity of tho collories.

The scheme involves inquiry by tho workmen regarding tho profits of the companies; secondly^ the cost of production, soiling price, and volume of trade ■ and, thirdly, the cost of living to the workman, with a sufficient minimum wage to ■meet the necessities of tno worjtman and his family as a first* charge upon tho industry.

It is understood that tho next; step will be to take tlio minors' views on thoscheme, and come to a final decision when the. majority of: the existing agreements expire.

Sir George Askwith, after inquiry regarding the Industrial Disputes Act oi: - Canada, recommends an English Act similar to that framed by Mr Lemieux, even if tho compulsory elements aro omitted, believing that the delay and publicity will facilitate settlements.