BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE HOURS OF WORK FOR MINERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18900, 26 October 1929, Page 9

BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE HOURS OF WORK FOR MINERS.

WAGES ISSUE IS GREAT DIFFICULTY AT MOMENT. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received October 26, 11.30 am.) RUGBY, October 25. After a meeting to-day between the Cabinet committee and officials of the Miners* Federation it was stated that the final proposals of the Government in regard to the coal industry would be given in writing to the Miners’ Federation next Wednesday. It is understood that the difficulty .at the moment primarily concerns the wages issue. The Government is prepared to redeem its election pledges to amend the Eight Hour Day Act by the substitution of either a 74 hours day, with one hour winding time, or, if the miners prefer, an eight hours bank-to-bank day. But the Government cannot guarantee that there shall be no reduction of wages. They are not possessed of the power to do so. The most they can. do, and they are seeking to do it. is to obtain an assurance from the coalowners that they will not reduce wages. Thus far it is stated that the assurance has not been forth coming. The owners maintain that a reduction of hours would lead to a reduction of output and that foreign markets could be retained only by reducing the basis of the rates of wages, but, in any case, the Government intends to proceed with legislation for a reduction of hours, and it is proposed that this shall become imperative in April next.—British Official Wireless.