Labour Optimistic

Thames Star, Volume LVI, Issue 14324, 10 September 1920, Page 3

Labour Optimistic

5o HOPES FOR SETTLEMENT

-1' ■'■" ■ » Two Sides to Meet

CLAIMS 1 REASONABLE AND JUS I

1 (A. and N.Z. Cable).

I LONDON', Sept. 9 j A feeling of optimism prevails in Labour circles of the miners' decision to accept the invitation of Mr Hx>im« to meet and discuss matters. 1*- i: believed-that once the two sides are again-in touch thex*e is every' hope that a strike may !be averted. The 'National Conference of fche miners to-morrow night will hear the result of the meeting of their executive with Mr. Home, and will decide whether the miners shall remain adamant or compromise at tie Trades Union Congress. Mr. Thomas denied that th© Congress was afraid raise the issue for fear of the miners' power. , The Miners' Federation raised no objection t 0 the Parliamentary Committee ol the 'Congress bringing up *he question at the -Congress for the 'benefit o f the public. ft was assumed in some quarters that the miners were especial-, ly anxious for a stoppage. "Th© answer," said- Mr Thomas, "is that the stoppage of t«he mines in the las* thing wi© desire. No one realises the consequences of a stoppage more khan the miner^ themselves. The Parliamentairy Committee, composed of men who nave *o conduct trad© disputes, is more concerned to adopt an attitude that may help peace rather than embitter- controversies by i any statement it migh.^ make." ! Congress' unanimously 'passed a] resolution "tyiai the claims of %c ■ miners are reasonable; and just, and should be conceded immediately." V