As we write the final figures of the Miners' Ballot
have not been published, and such results as are given in the papers are probably inaccurate. The figures as given in the Press would appear to be against acceptance of the employers' terms, but, even if they are, the indications are against a two-thirds majority being reached in favour of continuing the strike. It is by r.o means impossible that, even if the ballot goes strongly against acceptance, the men will return on Monday. It will be remem- bered that the last great coal strike ended by the miners balloting against a return to work and then immediately returning. No doubt what is in the men's minds is that if they vote for terms they dislike they will be admitting the said terms to be just per se. They think that by voting against them and then returning to work they are making it clear to the public that they are yielding to necessity and not to equity. No doubt the fact that the Government's offer of a subsidy will be withdrawn on Saturday, and it is therefore a case of now or never in regard to the ten millions grant, will effect the ultimate decision. A good sign is that the pumpmon are returning to work in a way which must almost be called automatic. There are also indica- tions that not only the leaders but the men themselves conside• the strike as finished.
