The South Wales Arbitration There was little -doubt that the
Minister of Labour, if given a free hand, could appoint a court of arbitrators who would- be acceptable to the coal-owners and the miners as persons qualified to give a fair decision in the .South Wales wages . dispute. He has done so. Lord Bridgeman, Sir David. Shaddeton and Mr..L. A. P. Warner have qualifications-of different kinds, but both sides should be satisfied with their experience and impartiality.. The miners were concerned . that the adjudicators should be men who would take into account other. factors in the situation besides the. year's balance- sheets. The owners wished. to restrict the issue. The nominees of the Minister will give their award on the immediate wages question ; and not only so, but will also .remain as a permanent court during the continuance .of the agreement, which is to be in force for at least three years. The removal of the wages issue from the field of discussion. has greatly improved the relations between owners and men. It appears that their Joint Conciliation .Board has already made progress towards the settlement of all other questions.
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