COAL STRIKE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 43, 14 November 1907, Page 7

COAL STRIKE.

EFFECT ON TRADE. BIG ADVANCE IN PRICE EXPECTED. FURTHER NEGOTIATIONS. BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COFYttIGnT. Sydney, November 13. All hopo of cffooting tin nmicablo settlement of the mining difficulty scorns, for the present, at any rate, to have vanished, find a general striko will oommonce to-day, when it is expected that all mines in the Northern District will bo idle. The trouble is already having a disastrous effect on Nowcastlo trade. The harbour is full of vessels waiting for cargoes. No coal is available, and steamers are returning to Sjdney and South Coast ports to obtain loading. In view of the situation, some Sydney coal merchants aro refusing to fill orders. A stiff advance in the prico of coal is anticipatod. A mass mooting of minors will be hold, today to discuss tho troublo. The proprietors will meet on Thursday. A further effort will he made to reach a settlement. The mines which resumed yesterday did so under the impression that by working tor three days, all wages, amounting to £25,000, would bo paid. The member for tho district is endeavouring to formulate proposals and havo tho questions in dispute submitted to tho Premier, who, it is understood, is willing to act as mediator or arbitrator, Tho miners' committee of management will .meet to-day to discuss the situation. About 8000 mino employees would bo rendered idlo by a general striko. Tho men declare ( their determination not to recedo from their demands. 'The proprietors shovr no signs of weakening, and are strongly opposed to making further concessions. Thoy are .prepared to await developments.

PROSPECT OF A FUEL FAMINE. THE NORTH IS IDLE. SOUTHERN MINERS MAY STRIKE IN SYMPATHY. :' . (Roc. Nov. 13, 3.13 p.m.) Sydney, November 13. A mass meoting of tho minors of Newcastle was hold to-day to discuss matters in dispute with the colliery ownors. A resolu-, tion was carried endorsing a strike, Practically all tho mines in the Nowcastlo and tho Maitland districts aro laid idle.

COAL FOR THREE DAYS. (Rec. Nov. 14, 0.4 a.m.) . Sydney, November 13. It is estimated that Sydnoy's coal supply will last for threo days. The Southern coalininers' lodges are discussing the Northern situation. It ''is understood that the minors at the Komblo Mine havo decided to strike in sympathy with tho Northern miners. It is boliovcd that others will follow suit. ' ■ ' The situation is very.grave:' .••':<!•..■',.