OVER A MILLION MEN OUT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3465, 4 March 1912, Page 5

OVER A MILLION MEN OUT.

EVERY OTHER INDUSTRY AFFECTED. A STRAIGHT-FORWARD THREAT. “IF THEY CAN’T BEND THE COUNTRY THEY’LL BREAK IT-” \ V ' (United Press Association —Copyright). LONDON] Mar. 1.

LONDON, March 1. Lord Joicey (proprietor of the two largest collieries in Durham) states that the capital employed in coal mining does not yield more than about 5 per cent. Mr. Arthur Marksham says that the net profit does not exceed 8-ld per ton, and the miners’ next great fight -will be for seven hours a day. Mr. D. Thomas (managing director of the Cambrian Colliers’ Combine, and president of the owners’ organisation) saysi:— “The Premier’s statement is the greatest triumph for revolutionary syndicalism that has yet occurred in Britain, and not until the Act is enforced will South Wales owners cease opposition.” Mr. Stanton, the Welsh leader, says : “We are lookjng forward to a happy time, and will soon get our own may. Wei can. spend our tim© in picture shops, stay in bed as long as we like, and generally enjoy ourselves.” Replying to Mr. Keir Hardie (Labor M.P. for Merthyr-Tydvil), Mr McKenna (Horn© Secretary) 6aid:— “Troops are ready for sending- to South Wales if a real necessity arises, but the executive of the South Wales Federation is calling on all members to preserve order.”

Edwards, Abraham, and 1 Burt, the older leaders, having lost their influence. The Daily News states that thi© decision of the Federation was reached without discussion. The schedule was obtained after a division wherein a hare majority of the extremists overbore the moderates-