MINERS’ STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 June 1921, Page 5

MINERS’ STRIKE.

MEN TO TAKE BALLOT. NEW TERMS OFFEREDHOPES OF A SETTLEMENT! By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, London, June 11. A meeting of the National Federation of Miners has decided to take a ballot on the terms submitted by the coal owners. The result will be announced on June 17. A two-thirds majority will be required to continue the strike. Received June 12, 5.5 p.m. London, June 11. The miners’ ballot, papers state that the first reduction of wages will not exceed two shillings a shift for all workers of sixteen years and upwards, and a shilling a shift for workers under sixteen. There will be no further reduction until August 1, and further reductions after August will be agreed upon mutually until the Government grant is exhausted. The temporary agreement will end as soon as the Government’s grant is used up. As regards a permanent scheme, the owners propose a national board to fix principles for the guidance of districts, the board comprising an equal number of owners and miners, with an independent chairman. The parties have already agreed upon the principle that profits shall only be fixed on percentage, and in regard to the amount of the new standard wage the owners have offered to accept as' the standard the wages paid in July, 1914, plus district additions, plus a percentage to piece workers caused by the reduction of hours from eight to seven, and a minimum of twenty per cent, added thereto. This minimum is to continue until June, 1922. •Wages, under the permanent scheme, are to be leased on the capacity of each district to pay. If day workers do receive a subsistent wage the district board will fix the wage. The decisions of the National Board are to bd binding on both parties for one year, and are after to be made subject to three months’ notice. The ballot papers are returnable by June 17. Mr. Smith states that a twothirds majority is required for the continuance of the strike.—Aus.-NJZ. Cable Assn.