3 JULY 1926, Page 20

HOURS AND WAGES IN THE MINES

[To The Editor of Ilse SPECTATOR.] Sin,--Your leader on the industrial prospect in the current issue of the Spectator reflects the opinion of many moderate people who, while appreciating the problems of the mine- owners, also sympathize with the rank and file of the miners. In stating that the Government's policy of offering the miners an opportunity to work longer hours—whether right or wrong —must at least have the effect of "breaking up the trench warfare" of the present situation, you print sound sense.

An eight-hour day, however, must inevitably leave Man. y miners still unemployed, thereby restricting output and in- creasing distress. Cannot the Spectator offer a solution to this problem by suggesting that the final settlement should provide for four shifts of six working hours per day ? MI the miners could thus be assured of regular employment, and the mines would be worked continuously throughout each twenty-four limn's. The six-hour shift would, moreover, offer a suitable basis for proportionate wage adjustment. —I am, Sir, 8ze., G. J.