BRITISH COAL MINERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 11, 14 January 1936, Page 7

BRITISH COAL MINERS

THE WAGES QUESTION BOTH SIDES PRAISED MR. THOMAS’ COMMENT [ British Official Wireless. ] RI GBY r , . U. Mr. J. H. Thomas referred in t speech at Newport, M uimouth, to the improvement in the situation arising out of the miners’ claim for a wages increase following a meeting on Thursday between representatives of ihe Central Mining Association and the Mineworkers’ Federation, and that in his long expc ‘ence as a leader in the trades union movement he did not remember an occasion when a tribute to the men's leaders was more justified. It was a case where men, knowing the strength of their cause and the great difficulties they had to face, were determined Io show that they were not unmindful of their obligations to the nation. The miners’ leaders had correctly interpreted the minds of the people, and the courage shown by the coal-owners was equally deserving of praise. The next joint meeting of the owners and men will take place on January 23. Aleantime the owners’ negotiations with large-scale consumer! continue, and it is reported that the Aletropolilan Borough Councils have agreed to pay Is per lon extra on the coal already contracted for.