COAL STRIKE IN BRITAIN.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 4 June 1926, Page 9

COAL STRIKE IN BRITAIN.

A Gleam Of Hope. BASIS OF PEACE SOUGHT. By Cable —Press Association —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, June 3.

“The Morning Post” states that officials of the Coal Owners’ Association have invited officials of the Miners’ Federation to , meet them with a view to the possibility of getting the two executives together under an independent chairman, for the purpose of formulating a basis of peace. “The Post” adds that this is the first real gleam of hope since the mines closed down five weeks ago. Possibly the Government or the Speaker of the House of Commons will he asked to nominate a chairman.

- <* STATE OF EMERGENCY.” Bv Cable —Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Aesociation. (Received June 3rd, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, June 2. In the House of Commons, when Sir Joynson Hicks, on formally moving a motion that an address thanking the .King for his message announcing a state of emergency, the Speaker stated that he had received an amendment which he thought was out of order. Mr Ramsay MacDonald: “What are its terms?”! . The Speaker; “It provides for an addendum to the motion, praying His Majesty to exercise the royal prerogative and pardon all strike-time emergency offences. This ought to be a separate motion, which will perhaps be relevant, when the regulations are being discussed. Mr MacDonald appealed for the withdrawal of the regulations, the continuance of which, he said, was insulting to the country, whose people had shown wonderful good temper and patience. Sir Joynson Hicks admitted the people’s good temper, but said that there were cases of a reversal of that state. He was surprised at Mr MacDonald’s - request, because the emergency was as great now as originally.

SCENE IN THE COMMONS. By Cablu —Press Association— Copyright Australian ana N.Z. Cable Association. (Received Juno 3, S.lo p.m.) LONDON, Juno 2.

Mr Buchanan asked: “Would I be in order in criticising the king for issuing the. proclamation, as he had no right to authorise it.” (Ministerial cries of order.) . The, Speaker’s reply was inaudible. Ho was about to put the motion when further excited uproar was led by Messrs Buchanan, Campbell, Stephen and Kirkwood. The first named insisted that the Speaker must reply- , ~,1 The Speaker said lie had already replied. * “You arc certainly not in order. The King’s name must not be brought into the discussion, because what he has done was on the Ministers’ advice.” Mr Kirkwood protested that it was a class proclamation, adding that it was a scab Government backing the mine owners against the norkers. Mr Kirkwood proceeded to taunt, “you Gentlemen of England.” The Speaker ordered him to resume his seat. Mr AVeslwnod opposed the address of thanks, lie opined that the King did not believe in the proclamation. The Speaker: “Order, I cannot allow the King's name to bo used by one -side or the other, in any way.” The motion was agreed by by 249 votes to 100. Sir ; Joyn.son Hicks moved the continuance of tlio emergency regulations.

Mr Barnes moved an amendment to omit the clause giving power to the Board of Trade to regulate tho supply and distribution of food and fuel. The amendment was rejected by 2(58 votes to 108. The Labourites continued to oppose the clauses dealing with the supply and distribution of essentials, and empowering ihc Homo Secretary to prohibit the use of funds from abroad, intended for any purpose prejudicial to tho safety and interests of the community.

Sir Jovn.son I licks said there were J 700 strike-time charges, in which (538 fines wore imposed and 029 orders of imprisonment made. Altogether there were ISO incitement cases, and 1389 of violence and disorder. He was unable to recommend llis Majesty to issue an amnesty in cases of incitement to violence and obstruction.

EFFECTS OF THE STRIKE, By Cable—Press Aflsoeiation—Copyright* Australian and N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, June 2. Tho “Daily Herald” quotes Mr J. ACook in denial of the statement that the miners’ leaders bad any communication with the Government since May 22. It is explained that tho presence of the miners’ leadersi in London is connected with thwarting tile attempts now being made to import- foreign coal. Mr Cook, in a statement, said: “1 hope to get tho co-operation of tho transporters hero and abroad to stop a flood of foreign eoal.’-’ The “Herald” says the strike is slowly .strangling industry; 50,(500 men are idle in the Black Country. Sheffield is hard hit; -10,(XX) are on the dole. Nearly 20,000 have been thrown out by the shortage of coal.