LATE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1917, Page 1

LATE NEWS.

Per Press Association.—Ooptbighi THE KE&)IIIED~SENTEKCES Statement by Sir J Aliens WELLINGTON, May 1 In a statement made after the Cabinet arrived at its decision this after, noon, Sir James Allen said it was made clear to the delegates at the meetings on the Coast, that, if they did not settle with their employers at the conference the coal miners must not look to the members of the Government as a means for further consideration. It was also made clear that the Government could not and would not interfere with the Courts of Justice, and that the trial of th© men must proceed. In entering into the arrangement at the conference with the delegates, the Ministers were influenced by gravity ef the general situation,- during a time of war. It was necessary thajt the transports should be coaled, and reinforcements despatched to the front regularly, and with expedition. It was likewise of vital importance that vessels carrying produce and food supplies for England, should sail as speedily as possible. A continuance of the strike meant a serious dislocation, and perhaps* complete cessation of business in this country, and the stoppage of railway services, tramways, shipping, light ing, and probably freezing works, in which thousands of pounds of produce were stored, not to mention the distress and inconvenience which the.ptiblie generally would suffer through a continuance of the stoppage of coal supplies. As a result of the action taken, a serious calamity has probably been averted, and it is a matter of satisfaction to know, that to-day our ports are being worked, and that the coal mining industry is again in full operation . “ ■ An Ultimatum. WELLINGTON, May 1. • Yesterday the Puponga miners delivered some kind of an ultimatum to the employers* that unless a certain man is given work they will strike. It is reported that it is not ljkely that the man will he employed in any of the West Coast mines.