11 JULY 1925, Page 9

It was on Friday, July 3rd, that the Conference of

the Miners' Federation refused point-blank to negotiate with the coalowners upon the terms proposed by them for a new wages agreement. It is now suggested that Mr. Eridgeman, who.was" Secretary of the Mines Depart- ment- in the difficult days of 1920-22, should act as mediator on behalf of the Government. Mr. Cook ineanwhile,; representing the miners, is still trying to get the support of the railwaymen and transport workers who, in their comparatively highly paid and " sheltered " position, receive far less sympathy from the public than the miners or the coalowners in the most genuinely depressed state of their industry.

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