* * * The Strike Danger in South Wales At
the moment of going to press no settlement of the dispute in the South Wales coalfield is in sight, and the situation is darkened by the threat of a stoppage throughout the whole district on Saturday. The folly of postponing negotiations to the eleventh hour was pointed out weeks ago in these pages ; and now owners and men alike arc faced with a catastrophe that would be equally ruinous to both, and that ought to be averted at all costs. The men insist on the restoration of the 1931 cuts ; the owners deny that it is economically possible. The masters, months ago, put themselves in a false position by refusing to recognize the Industrial Board appointed by the Ministry of Labour ; it is there- fore the more incumbent on them now to assist in the appointment of an arbitration tribunal. There is reason in their objection to appointing as members of it persons whose views are more or less fixed ; but the Ministry of Labour can be trusted to nominate an impartial body. No question of this kind ought to be allowed to hold up quick procedure for investigation. This is an occasion when all the resources of the Govern- ment should be used with resolution, first, to prevent a stoppage on Saturday, and secondly to promote a settlement of the dispute.
