1926-05-13 — Page 8

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MINERS AND THE COAL REPORT,

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, MAY 137H, 1926-

REPLIES TO RECOMMENDATIONS OF ROYAL COMMISSION.

STATEMENTS BY THE OWNERS AND THE MEN.

The state of the miners on the Report of the Royal Commission was presented at the meeting between the Mining, Association, and the executive of th- Miners' Federation on April 1th.

According to The Times the miners' statement was moderata enough its.preamble was as to leave the way open to further negotiations follows: The miners have carefully examined the Report of the Royal" Cotamission," While they agree with a number of the suggestions made by the Commission, and welcome its statement that the industry must be. renrgulas. there any certain points on which the interpretation placed by the expers upon the recommendations of the Commission differs from They think it desirable; therefore, in that put upon then by the miners, view of the urgent need of a peaceful settlement, to slate their attitud«- to the Commission's proposals, and in particular to emphasize that no settlement will be acceptable which does not provide at least a wage sufficient to enable the miners to secure a decent standard of living,”

The detailed observations which fallow are shown below, together with the recommendations and the statements previously made upon them by

the owners, RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT ON THE ROYAL COMMISSION.

Bermes HATION -Before any sacrifices are asked from these engaged in the industry, it shall be definitely agreed between then that all practic abheans for improving its organization and increasing its efficicacy should i adepted, as speedily as the circumstances in ach ease allow: The measures to those ends which we consider practicable are stated in the preceding chapters of this Report, and will be summarized in the chapter. that follows

OWNERS REPLY. -The owners for their part are prepared to do everything in their power to improve the organization increase the efficiency of the indus try. The action which they propose in regard to the various menures which the Commission suggest for their attention is indiested below

MINERS REPLY.-The miners welcome the statement of the Commission that"all practicable means for improving the or- gauization of the industry must be adopt- ed as speedily as possible. They have asked both the Government and the owners that schemes or plans to this effect shall be laid before them, but have sa Bur received no definite answer. They note with satisfaction that the Commis sion endorses the necessity of a rear- ganization of the industry, to which the miners have repeatedly called attention in the past, and which has hitherto been denied by the owners.

RECOMMENDATION. -The owners should discontinue charging the minérs

as a body with deliberate attempts to destroy the prosperity of the industry,

It is possible that there may b

in order to compel its nationalization.

a small number of individuals here and there who are animated by this idea, but we are convinced that the point is without substance. - OWNERS EPLY:-The oners agree not. MINERS' REPLY.-The miners mate that the Commission has recognized there is Lo make such charges.

no truth in these charges.

BECOMMENDATION. The owners should also cease to countenance acrusa" tions against the miners of restriction of output. Here, again, there may sporadie cases, and when the rates of pay for new classes of work are under discussion production may sometimes be purposely kept at a low vel. Dut. viewing the effect on the industry as a whole. this point is quite important.

MINERS' REPLY.-The winers ante that to counteanned such geral nerisations, the Commission, has recognized there is

OWNERS REPLY.-The whris agree not

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n truth in these charges.

to attach. KEDAIENDATIO. The miners on their part should cease exaggerated weight to losses of output due to failures of the management to provide the colliers with proper supplies of tubs, rail, timber or other requisites. buch eases undoubtedly occur from time to time, and a pro- In particular places portion of them are due to inefficient management.

and on particular occasions an appreciable loss may he caused both to the colliery and to the workmen. But the fect upon output in general and upon wages is very small.

APPEL

OWNERS! BEPLY.-The owners

MINERS REPLS-The miners note that, that the Report of the Commission fairly in the opinion of the Commission, the slates the case on this subject.

Owens' RegtY.-Though the owners. Mane' Rey-The miners agree that have expressed their view that this pro- minerals should be taken over by the posal will not help the industry, but will Stats, but they disapprove of the sugges be gravely detrimental to it, they re- tion to compensate the present owners, "cognise that in view of the Gloveenment's except those owners who have purchased declaration it becomes a question for their mineral rights, to whom some com Parliament to decide and not one thai pensation should be given. arises between the owners and workmen to discuss.

:

RECOMMENDATION-Anmigamations of Existing Mines-The analgama- tion of many of the present small units of production is both desirable and This may often be effected frera within, but in many cases it practicable

Any general measure will only take place if outside assistanco is given. of compulsory amalgamation on arbitrary lines would be mischievous; the action to be taken should be elastic and should enable each case to "be treated individually. The State as mineral owner will be able to promote desirable amalgamations when granting new leases or renewing old ones.. Legislation should provide for a compulsory tratiafer of interests under existing leases where desirable amalgamations are prevented by the dissent of some of the parties or their unreasonable claims., Existing leaser wonk! not otherwise be affected, a

MINERS' REPLY.-Failing nationaliza OWNERA REPLY.The owners agree with the views expressed by the Com- tion of the industry, which they hold to mission that any general measure of com- be the policy most in accord with the pulsory amalgamation would be in public interest, the miners agree with the chievous and that the best results are to Principle of amalgamations. They feel be obtained where the initiative comes confident, however that no such amal from the undertakings concerned. To gamations will take place unless they are owners note that the recommendation made compulsary after a Government. which the Commission make as to legis enquiry has decided what umalgamations lation is dealt with in the Government's should be established. The miners there- declaration, and, as in the vase of the fore think that the Commission's Report nationalization of is not sufficiently definite is character to proposal for the minerals, with which it is connected, it achieve the object aimed at. They also does not arise for discussion between desire to point out that where labour, "owners and workmen but becomes a ques- is displaced by reason of these amalgama-"

tion for Parliament.

tions, provision should be ruade in such cases, as suggested by the Commission The Government (see pages 230-1). should be ready to take all practicable measures for the assistance of any labour which may be displaced.

RECOMMENDATION.-Combination of Industries.-A closer connection of Highly technical aining with the allied industries should be promoted. questions are involved, affecting a number of industries, and not electricity alone: The development of electrical supply under the new proposals of the Government should be closely vo-ordinated with the generation of electricity at the mines. The heat; power, and light requirements of the country should be under the constant and comprehensive survey of a body formed for the purpose. We propose for consideration the establishment of a National Fuel and Power Committee. with advisory powers composed of representatives nominated by the Government from among the official and other bodies concerned.

RECOMMENDATION.-Research. The existing provision for research should be largely extended by the industry with the support of the State. It is urgently necessary that new methods for winning and utilizing coal should be sought for and he found, if the prosperity of the industry is to be restored and a proper standard of wages and working conditions assured to the workers. If processes of low temperature carbonation were perfected grent national advantages would ensue, particularly through the -production of a smokeless fuel for domestic and industrial use, and the provision of large supplies of mineral oil from the country's own resources. The State should give financial support to the further experiments," on a commercial scale, which are necessary.

OWNERS' REPLY.-The owners agree

MINERS REPLY.-The miners

agree

· OWNERS' REPLY.-While remaining con- MINERS REPLY.-The miners do not vinced that a return to longer working think that the suggestion of re-distribut hours is imperative to restore prosperity ing the present total weekly hours over to the industry, in face of the emphatic a week of five days, is practical, owing declaration of the miners" representatives to the irregular time worked in the In that they will not entertain any augges dustry. With regard to multiple shifts, tion in this direction the owners are an- the miners are prepared to consider these xious to consider with the miners the re in the light of possible future devel commendations of the Commission that ments,

the definition of working time should be by the week instead of by the day, and that greater exibility may be provided

in the working hours. The owners ac cept the recommendation of the Coatmis- sion in regard to multiple shifts.

IECOMMENDATION.-Joint piz committees should be established generally. OWNERS' REPLY.-The owners accept the MINERS' REPLY.-The miners) welcome view expressed by the Commission that the Commission's recommandation in voluntary action is more likely to pró- favour of the compulsory adoption of mote u friendly spirit than the compul- Part II of the Mining Industry Ach sion of an Act of Parliament, and they 1990, in respect of pit committees, and accordingly are prepared to agree that regret that the owners are not prepared They also welcome pit committees shall be set up voluntarily to accept this at each pit and that the constitution and the Commission's suggestion that-based functions of the committees shall be ar- upon experience greater statutory pow

the future. ranged nationally between them and the cray be given to three committers it

RECOMMENDATIOs.The methods of payment of men sut employed at miners representatives

the face should be revised where possible so as to give theg a direct interest in output. OWNERS' REPLY.-The owners accept ·Misers' Reply.--The minors are pre- this recommendation. The details of the gared to consider proposals to this effect, methods to be adopted must necessarily consistent with the maximum safety te

life and limb, be worked out ris by pit.

- RECOMMENDATION.-The introduction of a family allowance system. either nationally or by districts, is desirable Pooling schemes abould ta adopted to prevent married mer with families being prejudiced in obtain. ing employment.

•

64

OWNERS' REPLY.This is mainly a MINERS REPLY.The miners are pro question for the workmen. The owners pared to consider the question of family- do not express any view, adverse to the allowances, subject to a guaranteed week principle of family allowances. The y minimum wage being established bar matter would have to be dealt with dis hold that the funds necessary to provide - trict by district as part of the subsistence such allowances should be wised" by wage arrangementa,

means of a properly graduat d systems of taxation. RECOMMENDATION.Profit-sharing schemes providing for the distribu- tion to the workmen of shares in the undertakings should be générally- adopted in the industry, and should be made obligatory by statute. OWNERS' REPLY.-The owners are cor- MINERS' REPLY.The miners dially in agreement as to the desirability opinion that this is primarily a matter of associating the workers,us closely as for the Government and the owne possible with the success of the indivi- They will therefore give due considera- dual undertaking in which they are en tion to any wehemes suggested. played. The best results will be achieved by discussion between owners and work- men of achenies suited to the particular circumstances of individual undertak inga.

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RECOMMENDATION.-For all new collieries a proper provision of houses for the workers should be a condition of the lease.

of

OWNERS' BEPLY.-The owners are in „MINERS' REFLY.—The miners agree with favour of the provision of the best hous- this recommendation. ing conditions that are practicable.

VI

RECOMMENDATION.-The general establishment of pit-head baths is necessary. This should be undertaken by the existing Mineral Welfare Fand, which should be. increased by a substantial contribution from royalties. OWNER'S REPLY.-The owners accept MINERS REPLS-The miners agree gith

this this recommendation.

recomendation. RECOMMENDATION-When prosperity returns to the industry we consider that aantal holidays with pay should be established.

with the views expressed by the Copimis with all the Commission says on the sion on the connection of mining with necessity of a closer connection between the allied industriess The establishment mining and allied industries and a large of the proposed National Fuel and extension of research work. But they Power Committee is dealt with "in hold that provision should be made for the Government's declaration; and the the results of auxiliary industries being cwners will welcome any assistance which combined with the coal industry so that such a Committee can render.

the enhanced values given to the industry

OWNERS REPLY.--The owners think that is REY.-The miners agree with as a whole may enter into the computa- tion for the determination of miners' this is a mutter which hardly demands in the suggestion of the Commission regard- wages. Providing this method of in- mediate attention, but ny be considering holidays with pay, as in their opinici

-this-is-long overduß - clading auxillary industries is adopted, when prosperity returns to the industry. the niners' will co-operate in this

The owners approve of the principle of extended research. They will welcome the co-operation of representatives of the workmen in this matter.

natter.

RECOMMENDATION.Distribution.The industry as a whole has so far failed to realize the beacfits to be obtained by readiness to co-operate. Large financial advantages might be gained by the formation, in particular, of co-operative selling agencies. They are specially needed in the export

trade.

OWNERS' REPLY.-The owners

agree

ineficiency of the coal industry is due rather to an antiquated and cumbraus -system of organization than to deficieb- ries on the part of individual managers. While they believe that a more thorough investigation of conditions"at particular

MINERS REPLY.-The miners agree pits than the Commission was able to

inertale would show many cases of that any means which are practicable with the Commission's recommendation failure to provide colliers with proper for obtaining the best prices possible for as to the necessity of establishing co- supplies of the requisities mentioned by coal in the general interest should operative selling agencies, and regret the Commission, they agree with the ailopted, and they will recommend that that no definite assurance has been given. Fiammission in thinking that the most the districts shall give careful and im- by the owners that such co-operative, Sportant task is to overhaul the ormediate consideration to the measures selling ngeneics would be established. gization of the industry as a whole. which can best be taken to prubore this They suggest that such agencies should be under the joint control of owners, object.

workmen, and consumers. HCOMMENDATION The ineowners should not refuse to engage in discussions on a national footing with the Miners Federation of Great Britnin All the principal industries of the country conduct negotiations between employers and employed on a national busix, and we can see no reason why the mining industry should be an exception. At the same time, the inditions imperatively require that there should a large degree of flexibility in the wage rates of the different districts. The Miners' Federa tion should repgnize this, without detriment to the broad policy that the gruent principles should be laid down Nationally.

MINERS' REPLY.-The miners agree with OWNERS' REPLY.-Although the owners. strongly presed upon the Commission as the report of the Commission re national a point of fundamental importance their negotiations, but desire to point out that view that it was in the best interests of the flexibility suggested is already too the industry that negotiations should in future be conducted on a purely district basis, they agree to accept this recors mendation...

strongly in evidence in the basis and pre-war wages obtaining in the various districts, so that it does not require any variutints in the minimum, percentage to secure this flexibility. „RECOMUS PATIOxAs, the first step, accordingly, to the making of a now wages agreement, the Mining Association and the Miners Federation should meet nationally. The procedure to be followed thereafter, will depend upon the decisions then taken; it appears to us a reasonable course for the national conference to refer the question of minimum percentage and such other waiters as they think appropriate to district associations to fran proposals. Those proposals would he submitted to the national". Leonference for approval.

RECOMMENDATION.-The Government should consider the establishment

of an official system for the sampling and analysis of coal, with a view to encouraging selling on specificatie a and guarantee, in both the home and the foreign markets.

OWNERS REPLY.-The owners will wel

MISERA REPLY.-The miners #grec come any assistance from the Government with this recommendation.

in this respect. If by setting up offpial stations for the sampling and analysis of goal at the ports or elsewhere it is cepted as final by hayers abroad the possible to get results which will be ac owners think a benefit will be conferred on the industry,

RECOMMENDATION Local authorities should be cupowered to engage, in the retail sale of coal OWNERS' REPLY.-This is a matter for Parliament and does not arise for dis- cussion between owners and workmen.

MISERS' REPLY.-The miners have al- ways advocated authorizing local au- thorities to engage in the retail sale of coni, and, therefore, agree with the Com- mission's "recommendation.

RECOMMENDATION-We propose measures to secure the adoption of ligger mineral wagons on the railsys, and a greater concentration of ownership of wagons.. A Standing at Committee of the Ministry of Transport and the Mines. Departmentshould be formed to promote thre

measures

MINERS' REPLY.-It is well known, and OWNEE REPLY.-in deference to the Commission's view the owners have ac it is hardly necessary to repeat, that the cordingly already invited the miners re- niners entirely disagree with the sugges- presentatives to meet them nationally tion that the minimum percentage should with a view to the formulation of a be settled in districts. They welcome, tional wages agreement. They propose therefore, the opinion expressed by the that the twn sides should proceed at once Commission; viz.: We do not see how Standing Joint Committee of the Minis to consider the general principles to be such a wage in a community: so small try of Transport and the Mines Depart incorporated in the agreement, which and so closely united as Great Britainment. They will welcome whatever aa- would include the ratio between profits can ultimately be fixed by other than sistance such a Committee can render and wages, the details of the method of national authorities" (page 152). But connection with proposals for increna ascertainment and the definition of pro- they consider that no useful purpose in the efficiency of the transport of coal. -ceeds and of the items of costs of pro- would be served by referring the ques duction. They further accept the prin- tion to the districts to frame proposals, ciple of a minimum percentage on basis as in their view the national bodies are rates in each district, and propose that fully competent to deal with the matter the amount of this percentage and also on a uniform basis, and should do, so (as hitherto) the amount of subsistence without delay.

OWNERS REPLY.-The owners note the MISERS BELY.-The Governato intimation that they will with the recommendation.

prepared to constitute the proposed

wages for the lower paid men, should be referred to the district associations. They are prepared to agree that the amounts of the minimum percentages set- tled in the various districts should be. submitted to the national conference lor approval.

RECOMMENDATIONS. Ownership of the Mineral-The error which was made in times past in allowing the ownership of the coal to fall into private, hands should be retrieved. The mineral should be required by the State by purchase where it has a market value, by declaration of State ownership in the case of unproved coat or conlat deep levels, which has now no market value. The coal of existing mires which are likely soon to ecase working, and con! which is not now worked and is not likely to be developed in the future, should be excluded from the purchase. Safeguards should he adopted against excessive compensation claims.

A Coal Cóm-2 mission should be appointed under the authority of the Secretary for Mises. to acquire and administer the mineral property,

miners agree

RECOMMENDATION.-Labour.-The relations between employers and employed are of fundamental importance, and here also we are convinerd that a number of changes are necessary. The principle on which the recent wage-agreements have been based is in our opinion, sound, but amendments are needed in the method of ascertaining the proceeds of the A large proportion of the coal is sold industry for the fixing of wages.

by the mines to associated industries, and the most important of these amendments relates to the prices at, which these transfers are made. OWNELE REPLY.-The owners are pre MINERS' REPLY.-The miners agree pared to consider with the workmen the with the recommendation of the Commis devising of machinery for the settlement sion as to the necessity of amendment in of transfer prices which will leave no pon. ascertaining the proceeds of the industry, xible ground for doubt as to their fair and also with the amendment relating ness. They will also consider with the to the method of fixing transfer prices; workmen the suggestions of the Commis-they desire further to say they will co- sion relating to certain details of costs of operate with the owners in giving effect production other than wages.

to these suggestions.

RECOMMENDATION: -The standard length of the working day, which is now on the average 7 hours underground, should, remain unaltered. The optional re-distribution of hours within the present weekly total over a work of five days instead of six, should be considered. The multiple shift system should be extended.

97]

MINERS INSISTENCE ON NATIONAL AGREEMENT. The statement of the miners added:

In conclusion, the miners desire to emphasize the statement of the Commission that the settlement, not merely of the principles on which wages are to determined, but of minimum percentage, is a matter for national authorities, on the ground that, in the words of the Commission," to give a free hani to each district to settle its own standard of Eving is to expose the standard of the wore efficient and prosperous areas to under- mining by the weaker areas, and open the door to cut-throat competition

In the miners between different districts, at the expense of wages." opinion, therefore, the two sides should, as early as possible, formulate a national agreement by means of which such a minimum percentage may

be determined.

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