"BLACK" COAL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1730, 22 April 1913, Page 5

"BLACK" COAL.

MINING LODGE EXPELLED,

STRIKE TROUBLES IN N.S.W.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, April 21. A new development has occurred in connection with tho coal strike. A secret conferc-nco between representatives of tho Northern and .Southern miners and Newcastle coal-trimmers -was held on Saturday night, and it is rumoured that as a result tho coal from the Minim pits (sixteen miles from Newcastle) may bo declared "black," and that action will be taken to stop tho South Coast colliers from carrying Newcastle coal. i Tils Nwcastto Delegate Board to-day discusses these questions. After tho meeting Mr. Peter Bowling declared that the position could not 6tay where it was. He knew the feeling in tlig North, also that tho Western miners wcro inclined to cease work. Tho tendency for (he trouble to spread was more pronounced than ever.

The South Coast strike is entering on its sixth week, and is no nearer a settlement. The owners have returned tho horses to the paddocks, and it is reported they tiro prepared to keep them idlo till August, when tho present award expires. Over ,£50,000 has already been lost in wages. The trado of the whole district is paralysed. , (Ifcc. April 21, 0.10 p.m.) Sydney, April 21. The Northern Miners' Delegate Board has resolved to expel tho Minmi Lodge from the Miners' Federation. The decision is the outcome of tho Minmi miners entering into an agreement with the proprietors of tho mine collieries against the desire of the Federation. . Tho result will be that the Minmi coal output will be declared "black," and in consequence will not be handled by unionist coal lumpers. (R°c, April 22, 0.25 a.m.)

Sydney,' April 21. The Northern Delegates' expulsion of thoMinmi Miners' Lodge requires the endorsement of tho other miners' lodges before it becomes effective. It is unlikely tlint steps will be taken to boycott the Mimui coal until this endorsement has been obtained. CABINET ACTION. MR. GARMICHAEL TO' MEET THE ■ MEN. AN UNEASY FEELING. . (Ecc. April 21, 10.45 p.m.) Sydney, April 21. The Cabinet has discussed tho position in the coal trade, and it has been arranged that Mr. Cnrmichael, Minister for Labour, will on Wednesday receive a deputation of representatives of the Northern and Southern miners, and the Coal Trimmers', Coal Lumpers', and Seamen's Unions,

There is an uneasy j feeling over the combined action of the unions, which is thought to bo indicative of a possibility of the strike extending to tho waterside and othor unions.

BROKEN HILL AGREEMENT. Sydney, April 21. Tho Broken Hill agreement provides that all tho men shall bo reinstated beforo 5 o'clock to-night, and that, any reduction in wages, excepting by the Wages Board, Khali ba considered victimisation. Tho tramways have Tesumed. Supplies arc now reaching the town.