New Britain herald., 1929-07-29
1,5OO MILLS CLOSE
 AS 500,000 STRIKE
 IN ENGLISH TOWNS
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(Continued From First Pase) In this event the operating spinning section probably would ask for re- sumption of negotiations on their own account. It was expected the mill owners would meet them half way.
 Minister Blames Employers
 A statement issued by Sir Horace Wilson, permanent secretary of the minister of labor, laid the blame for the walkout squarely on the shoulders of the employers. He said the workers throughout had offered to submit the issue to a court of ar bltration and to accept the decision of the court.
 On the other hand the employers were alleged to have refused 10 withdraw their notices or to await the result of government inquiry. About 250,000 weavers and 250,000 spinners were affected.
 The ministry of labor, guided by Miss Ma ggie Bondfield, it's minister, continued today its efforts to recon cile the disputants but it was con- sidered c hopeless task at least for the present There was possibility Premier Macdonald would attempt to harmonize the situation.
 Others Will Suffer
 Some, in reckoning the probable effect of the strike on other indus tries, estimated S0,000 to 10000 bleachers, dyers and finishers would be thrown out of work shortly or reduced as a result of the strike. The greater part of the 66,O00 tons of coal used in the mills each week will cease depriving miners of their occupation while miners and rail- road and shipping men also will be affected.
 The heart of the British cotton industry is faced with probably the worst time in its long and frequent ly troubled history since mediation by the ministry of labor has faileu. Figures on the number of mills con- tinuing to work at the old rates or in which the workers accepted the cut were slow coming in but it was estimated at noon that not more than a score of plants were operat- lng with any degree of effectiveness.
 Hear Macdonald Interested
 Even today Lancashire hoped that he government will be able to re- open negotiations. It is reported here that Premier Ramsay MacDon- ald himself contemplates personal intervention.
 Miss Bondfield also issued a state nent this morning. "The minister of labor has received a report of negotiations which took place last week In the cotton trade and has considered the present position. She is watching the situation with the greatest anxiety but feels there is no action which the department can helpfully take at present."
 At noon it was stated the major flty of mills in both the Cotton Spin ners association and the Manufac- turers' association were idle.
 They were made up as follows: Master Cotton Spinners' Federation had $50 mills, 55,O0O,O0O spindles, s0,0o0 looms. 100000 employees. The Cotton Spinners and Manufacturers aasiciation had sS5 mills, 5000, 900 spindles, 500,o0o looms and 1S0,ooO employees.
 In Preston six mills were working IS we'll as eight others in surround ing villages. Some workers arrived st the mill gates this morning with out intending to work. At one mill 100 Weavers went to the looms only 10 be told that the machinery could not be started for so small num- per.
 No Negotiations Planned
 No definite move for reopening ne- gotiations has been made. H. Booth man, secretary of the cotton spin- ners operatives, stated a meeting would be held Wednesday to con- sider what steps can be taken.
 G. Pogson, secretary of the Feder- ation of Master Cotton Spinners, said: we are willing to meet the operatives at any convenient time for further discussion"
 Thomas Ashurst secretary of the Totton Spinners and Manufacturers' association. declared his association would meet shortly 10 consider its attitude toward mills and member ship which were continuing on the old wage basis. He expressed readi- ness to meet the workers when they wished to negotiate.