NS W- COAL MINERS FAIL TO GAIN ANY CONCESSIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, 11 March 1947, Page 5

NS W- COAL MINERS FAIL TO GAIN ANY CONCESSIONS

Recd. 9 p.m. Sydney, March 10. At a conference to-day, with the New South Wales Combined Colliery Proprietors' Association the miners failed to gain any concessions. Tlie conference is being followed by talks between owners and miners and representatives of the State and Federal Governments on the general claims of the miners.

The outstanding demand is for legislation in Victor'a, Queensland and Tasmania similar to Hint in New South Wales for joint control of the industf' by tlie Commonwealth and the State. Recd. 6 p.m. Moscow, March 9. The Russian Press and the home and foreign radio featured Mr. Ernest Bevin’s arrival and quoted verbatim his greetings to the Russian people from the British Commonwealth. Newspapers published on the front page a three-column picture showing a smiling M. Vyshinsky walking with a rather glum Mr. Bcvin. The British Ambassador, Sir Maurice Peterson, and the New Zealand Minister, Mr. Boswell, were also pictured. General Marshall and M. Bidault arrived at Moscow to-day.

To-day. on tlie eve ot the “Big Four" talks. Mr. Bevin and Mr. Molotov celebrated their birthdays. Mr. Bevin is aged 66 and Mr. Molotov 57. Mr. Mat shall on his arrival at Moscow spoke into tlie microphone, saying: "We are here on a mission of tremendous importance. I am confident that we shali overcome difficulties and reach an agreement which will greatly advance the cause of peace.’’

: Recd. 7 p.m. London. March 10. I Hammond. England's cricket cap- | tain since 1338, announced his retlre- ] ment owing to pressure of business, ! but added that he would play for his j County when he had the opportunity. I Hammond, before he went to Australia, made up his mind to retire I after the tour, so the decision is not a surpt ise. • Hammond's statement, issued in I London, says: "Pressure of business will, in future, prevent my playing | first-class cricket as regularly as I I have done in the past. In the best I interest of the game I hav e therefore 1 decided to retire from international I cricket after my return from the preI sent tour of Australia and New Zea- ■ land." Mr. H. A. Henson, the Gloucestershire secretary, said the club's committee recorded their thanks to Hammond for his loyalty and consideration of th P best interests of the club during his distinguished career of 27 years. Mr. Henson announced the appointment of B. Q. Allen to the club's capI taincy in succession to Hammond.