GAS STRIKERS FIRM

Chronicle (Levin), 16 December 1946, Page 5

GAS STRIKERS FIRM

Press -Assn.-

No Moye To Solve Dispute

RATJONING TO CONTINUE

dy Telegraph-

CopyrigM

Received Sunday, 7.40 p.m. SYDNLY, Dec. 15. Gas will be rationecl for an indeffnite time, according- to 4 jpolxesman for tRe strikers who jays tliat the men will r.emain od strike until all elaims are met, even if this means a gasless ChristaLciS. TI e Coal Commissioner says that rationing wiil have to com tinue into the New Year if morq coal does not reachv Sydney gasr works before tlie rniners' Christmas "holidays begin next Priday. Employees at the main electric powerhouse at Bun-nerong, intend to stop work tomorrow to discuss grievances which might leacl to a strike and loss of electric power, No effort was made to solve the gas problem yesterday but tomorrow eonferenees between the thirteen gas production unions in Melbouijne may declare black all coal for gas companies. Thousands of Sydney householders are already reconciled to the second suecessive black Christnias. The legal time of 11- hours for tlie use of gas today, precludes Ihe cooking of joints as the flow is meagre. O11 wcek days the legal times are an hour in the rnorning and li hours in the evening. Gas operated bakeries which are now out of -production, produce a tenth of Sydney 's bread. In Adelaide the emergency gas supply collapsed last 11 ight and has been discontinued.