BRITISH COAL DISPUTE

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14493, 16 October 1920, Page 7

BRITISH COAL DISPUTE

A QLOOMY OUTLOOK. YOUNG EXTREMISTS RESPONSIBLE ORGANISING FOOD SUPPLIES. (AuHtrallnn and N.Z. Qable Assn.) Received October 15, 10.10 p.m. LONDON. October 10. If a Rtrlkc occurs probably racing will be stopped. The Food Ministry will not attcmpl 1., break Hie slrik«, but will hoc thai tin. pi'dpli. arc fed, In this fluty tlioy lonk for sympathetic assistance from Labour. If necessary, a clearing house will be established in Hyde Park an during Ihe fliilway strike. The newspapers are rlismayer] nl the seriousness nf the situation, though (hoy admil Dial the Government have done everything I" avert trouble. The only hope now Is that the miners' leaders may bclzc upon the phrase in Mr Lloyd's George's letter thai he is still ready to explore every avenue whlcli may lead to a peaceful solution. The leaders seem to he afraid of losing touch with the rank and file if they negotiate rurthcr. All older leaders are personally averse I" the strike which is being engineered by young extremists. If the strike commences it must Insl al least a fortnight as it will take dial lime to arrange n ballot, which alone can end the strike. Jt, is officially staled that Mr Smillie Is 111, and was unable lo take an active pari in yesterday's conference. He feels Ihe rebuff at his personal authority keenly, A GRAVE SITUATION. INCREASING DIFFICULTIES. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) R ived < ictober 15, 7.'i5 p.m. LONDON, (ictober 1 i. Replying to the miners' leaders' announcement respecting the conference decision, the Premier drew attention to ils gravity at a lime when the industry was confronted with great and increasing difficulties, and the prospect or unemployment causes great anxiety. The Government's aim was to secure an, increased output, in order to increase the revenue, and lower the cost, of living by providing exports to assist to pay for imports. The Government proposals were supremely reasonable. THE MINERS' MOVE. (Australian and N'.Z. Cable Assn.) Received October f', 0 p.m. LONDON. October 1 '<• It Is reported in Parliamentary circles thai the Government expect the miners lo move next if they desire a settlement.