CLIPPING MINERS' CLAWS

Chronicle (Levin), 30 June 1949, Page 5

CLIPPING MINERS' CLAWS

Australia Takii^ Emergency ieasures Received Wedne^day, 8.50 p.m. CANBERRA, June 29. The Attorney General, JDr. Evatt; introduced into ihe House of Representatives 'the Nation? 1 Emergency Coal Strike Aet freezing the eoa rainers' funvls against use fer any purpose that mighc prolong the present coal strike. ' It also prohibits .ther unions from using their funds to assist the fniners. Heavy pena1 ies for fcreaehes ihclude fines up to £1000 for corporate bod'es and six months' goal- and a £100 fine 01* both, for individuals who contra vene the Act. The Registrar of the Commonwealth Arbitration Court is given complete power over union books, documents and papers including the right to enter union nremises "with such assistance as.he considers neeessary-,-'/ to oblain these documents. 4In a preambA to the Bill there is a deslaration that emp'oyees' organisations in the coalmining industry have contravened the' principles of conciliation and arbitration. Dr. Evatt state'd: "The strike is a callous disregard of ordinary humanity. Parliament has recoglrsed 'Ihe speeial dutie's of the miners. They in turn have a duty to the community. They eannot . wage this economie war 011 the! community and at the-same time ! Waiua the rights of the Arbitration Court. - They eannot have it bothr wavs." The Leader of the Opposition, J\Tr. kTenizes, and the Leader of the Gountry Party, kTr. Fadden, stated in the House of Representatives that their Parties supported the measure of freezing union funds against use by the strikiug, eoalminers. The legislation is scheduled to pass through the House of Representatives , by 9 p.m. toniglit and is to bo law to-^ morrow. It is to last only for the currency of the strike. At a meeting of the Federal Parliamentary Labour Party, a motion { endorsing Cabinet recommendations was carried on the voices, only six dissenting. The "Minister of Transport, !Mr. E. AYard, spoke in the Party meeting against the proposal, stating tlrat if j the Governnient wantexl to take definite aclion, it should prosVute the Cotninunist leaders rather than take action which involved hardships for women j and children.