N.S.W. COLLIERY STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2240, 18 November 1907, Page 2

N.S.W. COLLIERY STRIKE.

POSITION IN ABEYANCE,

FEDERAL INTERVENTION

POSSIBLE. EMPLOYERS MORE CONOILIATORY. United Press Association—Copyright SYDNEY, Nov. IC. After itlio conference, Mr Wade said lio was unable to imako a, public staitemenit of the position, because it was necessary to re-open a certain question. Tlio whole maittor must remain in abeyance until Monday. The delay .aroso through the representatives of eacii side not being authorised to bind their colleagues. After 'Monday, when the proprietors again confer, probably a delimit© stage will bo reached. . in a isiOrtoment submitted to the Premier, rtho proprietors expressed their willingness to allow Abe men to return to work under the conditions prevailing in the various pits before tlio strike, and to submit the dispute to the Arbitration Court, each sido giving ia positive assurance that it will adhere to tlio Court’s award.

The Southern Coal Mines’ Association offered to concede the men’s demand, amend tlio working agreement, and advance the hewing rate to sixpence per ton conditionally upon a guarantee that tlio existing agreement is respected until it expires in 1909. The southern and western collieries ,aro extremely busy. There is no indication yet that the anon intend to join the strike. Coal in Sydney is quoted at £2 15s to £3 per ton for large, and 10s to 15s less for small.

It is reported that arrangements have been completed for obtaining shipments from Japan, ‘Manila, and Colombo.

Owing to Itlio shortness of coal; the ferry services will be curtailed generally.

COAL DEAR

AFFECT ON SHIPPING TRADE. MELBOURNE, Nov. 16. The price of. coal has taken another big jump, 'and is now quoted at £2 17s 6d to £3. The stocks in Melbourne .are estimated at 10,000 tons. Firms are commencing to shorten hands. ,Inter-State steamer services will be curtailed. Only one steamer will sail to 'Western Australia each week.

Negotiations are .proceeding for the importation of coal from the East and elsewhere. ,Mr Dealrin stated in the House that if the New .South AYales State Government failed to secure a settlement of the strike, .the Commonwealth Government will probably have to take action.

EFFORTS AT SETTLEMENT,

GOVERNMENT TO APPOINT SPECIAL COURT.

(Received Nov. 17, 8.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 17. The Premier sent a letter to the proprietors and miners requesting them to resume work pond mg the appointment by the Government of a special Court, consisting of a Judge and two experts, one from either side, to inquire into the disputes.

GOVERNOR OFFERS HIS SERVICES. (Received Nov. 18, 1.2 a.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 17. The Governor offered his services as mediator on the strike. Mr. Wade expressed the hope that his services would not be required. Meetings of both parties will bo held to-morrow to discuss Mr. Wade’s letter, which suggests that the miners’ dispute be submitted to a Court whose decision shall be final, settlement to be for 12 months or longer, fas determined.