Blog

22 SEPTEMBER 1926

The Miners’ Executive discussed the Government’s plan for the settlement of the coal dispute. The Government’s policy, the Executive state in a letter to the Premier, has created a new and grave situation. The four officials of the Miners’ Federation met the Prime Minister at Downing Street. The discussions were adjourned until to-day.

The attempt of the famous French “ace,” Captain René Fonck, to fly from New York to Paris resulted in disaster at the start, the giant Sikorsky biplane crashing in flames. Fonck and Curtis, the second pilot, had miraculous escapes, but the mechanic and the wireless operator were killed.

A cyclone swept the city of Encarnacion in Paraguay and over 100 deaths are reported.

The hurricane which levelled Miami and the pleasure resorts of Eastern Florida has exacted heavy toll at towns on the Gulf of Mexico in its onward sweep. It now appears that certain islands of the Bahamas group have also suffered badly. President Coolidge has received from the King a message of personal sympathy with the American people in the disaster which has befallen them, and the British Government has communicated with the White House in a similar sense.

Resolutions to be submitted to the conference on October 6 at Scarborough of the National Union of Conservative and Unionist Associations call upon the Government to amend the law relating to Trade Unions. They state that present legislation does not safeguard the public against strikes, or the individual member against intimidation, victimisation, and the use of his contributions for purposes he does not approve. The Prime Minister will address a mass meeting organised by the Union on October 7.

Dutch troops mutinied following an officer’s refusal to comply with a demand for more beer. The guard fired on the mutineers, and one innocent non-commissioned officer was killed and a number of privates were wounded.

21 SEPTEMBER 1926

The Executive of the Miners’ Federation met in London to consider the Government’s proposals for district settlements and a resumption of work with a National Appeal Tribunal established by legislation after the return to work. No decision was arrived at by the Executive, who adjourned until this morning, when the discussion will be resumed. A member of the Executive stated that they had so far expressed no opinions either for or against the Government’s scheme.

A Court of Investigation has been set up to deal with the differences which have arisen regarding the national coal trimming tariff.

Latest reports confirm the appalling extent of the catastrophe which has befallen the pleasure cities of the East Coast of Florida. Miami and its consort towns have been razed to the ground, the dead number more than a thousand, and the whole area is isolated, making relief difficult and slow.

M. Briand is said to be confident of the approval of his tentative agreement with Dr Stresemann by his Ministerial colleagues, who meet to-day to consider it.

Messages from China state that the position of foreigners in Chunking, on the Yangste, further inland than Hankow and Ichang, is serious. Houses have been looted, and it has been decided to begin the evacuation of foreigners to Ichang. The two British boats seized at Wanhsien are to be surrendered, following negotiations at Ichang. The Cantonese Government have intimated to the British Consul-General at Canton that the boycott of British goods will end on October 10. The strikers will be compensated out of the proceeds from special taxes to be imposed.

Satisfaction was expressed in Australia at the announcement of the proposed visit of the Duke and Duchess of York to open the Federal Parliament at Canberra.

Racecourse bookmakers from all parts of the country, at a meeting in London to consider the collection of the Betting Tax, decided that the backer should be charged two per cent. on winning bets and winning stakes combined.

20 SEPTEMBER 1926

The Executive of the Miners’ Federation will meet to-day to consider the Government’s new offer for a settlement of the coal dispute. In a speech at the week-end, Mr Cook, the miners’ secretary, said that the situation had never been more critical. The Executive might come to the men with a recommendation they would not like, but it would be the best they could obtain in the circumstances. It is hoped in well-informed quarters that the Executive will accept the offer, but it is possible that the Executive may summon a delegate conference and allow it to decide.

In the North Cumberland by-election Captain F. Graham, the Unionist nominee, was returned with a majority of 1,396 over Mr R. D. Holt, Liberal.

In declaring open the Civil Service Sports Ground at Scotstoun, Glasgow, the Earl of Balfour remarked that games formed a great part of the public life of the people, and though he was not prepared to assert that games were never abused, he confidently believed they were one of the healthiest elements in our individual and public life.

The Earl of Balfour, speaking at the annual dinner of His Majesty’s Civil Service in Scotland, held in Glasgow, said the Civil Service ranked at least on an equality with the three great fighting Services — the Navy, the Army, and Flying Corps.

Many lives were lost in a hurricane disaster in West Florida.

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York christened the new motor lifeboat the “John Russell” at Montrose. The lifeboat is the first of its kind in Scotland.