GOAL RESTRICTIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1917, Page 4

GOAL RESTRICTIONS.

SERIOUS SHORTAGE IN VICTORIA.

MELBOURNE September 28

Further instructions on the use of fuel, gas, and electric current will become operative from next week. So short is the available supply of coal that the Minister for the Navy (Mr Cook) has determined that on three days only in the week will the use of power he allowed for industrial purposes. This may necessitate the .dosing wf many factories on these days if not altogether. Gradually, but. surely, the strike in Victoria is breaking down. The unions are ready to compromise freely; but the employers lind themselves obliged to go slowly in re-engaging men on account of the shortage of coal. A considerable ‘‘number of union carters and drivers sought employment to-dav, and signed the necessary application forms. Many had been in on e place of employment at the time of strike for long periods up to 20 years. The. hope was expressed in union circles to-day of early settlement of the. trouble as regards the timber trade. Matters were again quiet on the wharves, where 28 ships were worked by 1134 men.

MINERS TO NEW SOUTH

WALES.

MELBOURNE, October 1

Arrangements are being made to send another party of miners and mine-hands to the coal mines in New South Wales, which arc being worked for the Victorian Government. Three hundred men have already boon sent, away and others are urgently needed. Report to hand concerning the first contingent are very encouraging.

Seamen are being engaged at the National Bureau for tho colliers for the transport of coal from Newcastle to Melbourne. To-day 1046 men were worikng on the water-front, twenty vessels being handled. The timberworkers resumed at those yards in the metropolitan area. to-day in which they, were not asked to sign tho employment application forms to which the members of the union object.