MINERS READY TO ACCEPT REDUCTION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18785, 14 June 1929, Page 6

MINERS READY TO ACCEPT REDUCTION.

COMBINED UNIONS DECIDE ON POLICY.

(United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, June 13. It is understood that the basis of the - miners’ proposal for a return to work immediately, is that they are prepared to work at reduced wages, providing that the ow’ners guarantee to refund the reductions, if the former’s figures as to the costs of carrying on the industry are proved to be wrong. The miners’ conference resumed its sitting to-day, but they are unlikely to reach any decision regarding the proposal to withdraw the safety men from the pits until Monday, when Mr A. J. Atkings, secretary of the Engine-driv-ers and Firemen’s Federation returns from Melbourne, whither he went tonight. At the conclusion of the conference the following statement was issued to the Press: “The combined unions have arrived at a policy and have adjourned with a complete understanding and unanimity.” The date the resumption of the conference has not been fixed.—Australian Press Association.

POSITION IN COAL STRIKE GLOOMIER.

SYDNEY, June 13. Inquiries to-night elicited the fact that the position of the coal crisis was gloomier. The owners have rejected the fresh proposals made by the miners, and it was reliably stated that the executive of the Enginedrivers' and Firemen’s Federation have sent an ultimatum to the miners’ representatives demanding the withdrawal of the mass pickets at the northern collieries, and the disciplining of the leaders there. Failing this the withdrawal of the safety men will take place at the end of the week.—Australian Press Association.