When the Delegate Conference of the Miners' Federation met on
Friday, November 26th, to consider the district settlements, no complete district settlements were ye in existence. In Cumberland, indeed, a settlemen had virtually been reached, but even there the question of reinstatement was outstanding. In these circumstances the Conference could do no more than demand that it should be kept informed of the progress made in the districts. Empty words ! As was expected, the Federa tion was really left with no control over what was happen ing. Every day there has been news of further local agreements, though• in some cases, as, for example, in South Wales, the votes of the men have first been taken. Eight hours are to be worked in some fields, and 71 in others. By Wednesday considerably more than half the normal number of miners were at work. Very scon all for whom work can be found will be back. • Mr. Cook acknowledges that the miners have had to retreat, but says that the retreat is only for the purpose of husbanding their strength for another fight.
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