LATE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 April 1917, Page 1

LATE NEWS.

Peh Peess Association.—Coptbight

THE COAL STRIKE.

Position in Wellington

WELLINGTON, April 24

Though the coal Strike is believed here to be settled, it will be some time

beforo the position in Wellington is normal. Uttctai 1 stocks have been depleted, and the regular flow of deliveries has been interfered with, causing emergency stocks to be drawn upon. So many persons have ordered coal during the past fortnight that little remains available for distribution, other than for essential purposes, and there can be little relief in the situation until stocks are again replenished. The .Mayor asked when the tram service would return normal, said tho Poster had to be rc-jnodelled for a limited service, and it would take a while to bring things into their usual worleiug order as soon is this was done, and there was sufficient warrant that the trouble was over the full service would be resumed. In regards to Municipal c*rctrac current consumers are still asked Ito oNfcj-eise as much ©economy as possible as it is not known yet when further supplies of coal will bo obtainable. It is stated that the steamers now laid up will be recommissioned as soon as supplies come forward. The ferry boats will resume their old runs also, and the Coastal vessels which were affected will he put into commission as quickly a.s possible.

AN INTERVIEW.

The Miners’ Decision

WELLINGTON, April 24

Interviewed after the meeting of the Executve, the Hon. Sir James Allen said that there was every reason to believe that the strike lias ended and that the men will resume work tomorrow. hut lie could make no definite statement.

In tiie Buller district lie had been informed that the miners were prepared by a considerable majority to go back after considering tho proposals submitted to them. In the Grey district all the mines but one had carried a resolution hi favor of going back. One mine in the North Island had not submitted the result of the ballot.

The Minister gave an emphatic denial to the published statement that one of the conditions of the discontinuance of the strike was the release of Semple and other prisoners. He did not think it opportune to make public at present the conditions on which the men would return to work. If they returned it would be on the understanding that there was to be no opposition to the Military Service Act-, and the ‘go-slew* ’ policy was to he abandoned.

The Railways

WELLINGTON, April 24. Though the coal strike is ended, the strike time-table on the railways will probably continue for another fortnight, until sufficient supplies of coal are to hand for carrying on the war wcrvMoc schedules.

The Railway Department has to consider public lighting and other essential services before it drains freely upon the fresh supplies of coal, as many of these, outside undertakings' are seriously short.

Train Services

WELLINGTON, April 24. lion Ilorries said that reduced train services will continue until the coal supplies are sufficient for the needs of trie do* ot. It is possible the present service will he run till Slay 6th. when the “Staff-saving” service starts.

Gkeymouth, Aonl 24 Advice was received from Wellington to-night cancelling the “coal strike reduced Railway timetable.” AUCKLAND, April 24. N announcement has yet been made as to the intentions of the men on strike at Waipa and Pukemiro coller. ies, regarding the resumption of work.

A Denial

WELLINGTON, April 34

Hon Air. Allen states definitely that not a promise was made to release the imprisoned labour leaders, and that tin: Government has no intention of releasing them. It is* understood a conference will bo arranged between the miners and mine-owners.

Terms of Settlement.

WELLINGTON, April 24. The following telegram covering the proposed terms of settlement- said to hnfc'O been submitted to all unions on strike was read by Mr 11. Holland at a meeting of Labour candidates for the City Council held last night: (1 ) It is to he made plain to the Military Service Boards that every essential worker in an essential industry in coal, or gold mining shall have their appeals allowed. (2) The Government will not press for penalties in cases of mon arrested on account of the “go-slow policy,”, including everyone conveying messages to one union by the direction of another, in connection with the present strike. (3) The Government will do their best to arrange a conference between the mine owners and employees within a fortnight. j (4) Every man to go hack to work as before the strike.

(-5) Delegates to undertake to do their best to induce the men to resume work on April 25th and to abandon tlie “go slow” policy. (6) If any precodings take place the Government will not press for penalties. —(Signed) J. Allen and W. D. S. MacDonald. The following, said Air Holland, was the voting on the proposal to return io work :

State Mine: For, 136; against 83. Blackball: For 116; against 05. Boa : For 4; against 30. Millerton: For 104; against 14. Dcnniston was unanimous for return-

ing to work. All unions Mr Holland says will resume work on Wednesday.

A Urey Resolve.

GREYMOUTH, April 24

The following resolution was carried unanimously at a monster meeting of citizens held to-niglit,the Mayor presiding—“ That this monster meeting of citizens of Greymouth pledges itself to give its heartiest support to the Government in any and every measure it may deem, necessary to assist tho Empire in winning tho war.” The prospects of the patriotic ticket winning all the seats to-morrow is considered to be very good.

A Serlons Charge.

HAMILTON, April 24,

At the adjourned inquest in connection with the death of Albert Ryan who was found in an unconscious condition, with his skull fractured in a bedroom of the Frankton Junction Hotel, on the 16th inst., and who diea two days later at the Hamilton Hospital, was resumed this morning before W. F. Mason, acting-coroner, and a jury.

Mr J. Lundon watched the proceedings on behalf of David Morgan Leckie, the man who was arrested, and accused of tho murder, and who is now in custody. Evidence was given by two witnesses to (ho effect that Leckie hit deceased over the head with a full bottle of lemonade in the bar parlour of the Commercial Hotel. Leckie.complained that deceased had seriously kicked hurt 1m a certain place, and had mined him. Leckie was sworn as a witness, ana said lie was a freezing works employee, formerly employed at the Imlay wonts, Wanganui, but recently living at Taumaranui. He declined ! {o give any further evidence.

After a short retirement the jury unanimously agreed that deceased Albert Ryan met bis death as the result of a blow on the bead from a full bottle of lemonade delivered by Davie. Morgan Leckie.