In these circumstances we can hardly wonder that the owners
cannot see their way to consent to scales of minimum wage which in effect abolish piecework. On the other hand, the miners seem determined to insist upon a high scale of minimum wage. Meantime the question of abnormal places has somewhat receded into the background. The masters, however, are quite willing to agree to a reasonable compromise in regard to this aspect of the crisis. Speaking generally, it may be said that the masters are not wedded to any particular system of payment, provided that they can have efficient guarantees that the plan adopted will provide for a fair day's work for a fair day's pay, and that the product of the collieries will not be lowered while the expenses of getting that product remain as great as ever or are even increased.
