STILL NO SETTLEMENT

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16637, 20 January 1922, Page 8

STILL NO SETTLEMENT

PLANS FOR CONCILIATION. By Telegraph—Press Asscoiatiou-^Copyright.. Reuter's Telegrams. (Received January 20, 11.40 a.m.) CAPE TOWN. January 19. An official report states that there is still no result of the strike conference, but representatives of the employers are drafting proposal with a view to seeing bow far they can meet the conditions of men regaining the appointment of a conciliation board on the coal dispute. ? Johannesburg reports state that never was a strike on tho Rand conducted with such moderation hy both sides. Considerable inconvenience is felt owing to the fact that no trams are running in the middle of the clay, and the shortage cf power supplies, with the exception of that for essential services. The repatriation of native mine workers is proceeding rapidly. A later report states that both sides favour tho appointment of a conciliation board. The employers have agreed to make only si half-crown reduction in wages nendinnr the board’s award, and that there will be no victimisation 011 either side. The employers dissent irom the men’s demand for the reemployment of all previous employees. Tfec men’s executive is considering the employers’ proposals. An eliciting incident occurred in the East Rand. A commando of fifty young Dutch miners isolated a pumping station supplying domestic water to Modder East at midnight. Only the foreman and two policemen were there. The raiders kidnapped these, took their horses and rifles, and stopped the pump. A hundred and fifty other horsemen waited in the vicinity while the raiders carried ont their plans. After the prisoners had been carried : some distance, they were released, but 1 their rifles were taken. Natives re- ! ported the raid, and a detachment of police chased the raiders, who scattered , and escaped.