BRITAIN’S COAL CRISIS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 20 July 1925, Page 9

BRITAIN’S COAL CRISIS.

Opening of Court of Inquiry

WORKERS DECLINE TO PARTICIPATE.

By Cable— Praaa Aatociatlon—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association LONDON, July 17. Proceedings in the Coal Court of Inquiry appointed by the Government have opened. The conference adjourned till Monday to enable the Miners’ Federation to reconsider tho decision not to participate. The Mining Association representatives were present. The Miners’ Federation to-night informed tho Court of Inquiry that the miners cannot participate in the proceedings when the terms of reference and the constitution of the Court are so obviously designed to justify the present attack on the mine workers’ standard of living.. MUTUAL AID FOR MINERS. BACKED BY BIG BATTALION’S. By Cable—rress Association—Copyright. Reuter’* Telegrams. (Received July 19, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 17. A conference of the trade unions ci London approved the constitution of the proposed alliance of miners, raiiwaymen, engineers, and transport workers, representing oyer five million members, for mutual aid, and, more particularly in support of the miners in the present dispute. The matter has been referred to the various unions to consult their constituencies and report to a further conference. WAGES REDUCTION IN U.S.A. TENS OF THOUSANDS AFFECTED. By Cablo—Press Association —Copyright. Sydney “ Sun ” BorTloo. (Received July 19, 6.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 17. A message from Lawrence (Massachusetts) states that a general 10 per cent, wage reduction, effective from July 27, has been posted in the mills of the four large New England woollen companies. Between 20,000 and 40,000 operatives are affected.