N.S.W. COAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 May 1926, Page 3

N.S.W. COAL TROUBLE.

’Australian it N.Z. Cable Association.] GOA'ERN.AIENT A(TJON. SYDNEY, May 7. The Minister of Labour stated he had written to both parties to Oho coal dispute informing them of the course the Government proposed to take in view of the grave position, hoping they would see their way to give favourably consideration. He declined to say what the Government proposal was. SYDNEY, May (i. It is understood efforts are afoot to extend the forty-four hour dispute to Yictona. A special delegate from the disputes committee left Sydney tonight to lay the position before the Federal Unions representative. SYDNEY, .May G.

Unless • the unexpected happens quickly, there will he a general cessation of work on Saturday at all the collieries in New South Wales, \'ic-

toria, and Tasmania. j|t is now expected that final notices will bo issued to-day by the Engineers’ Association to the branch seeertaries ,informing them that a twodays’ conference held at Sydney Improved abortive, and instructing the executives that, as the fourteen days notice ends on Saturday, all members of the Association engaged at the mjnos will cease work on the completion of the night shifts on that late, and requesting them to leave everything in proper order.

It adds that if .successful intervention happens before the expiry of the notices, they will be informed.

'The Minister of Labour is continuing bis efforts to secure a settlement. Ho had an interview to-day with, representatives of the owners and lilt engineers, but so tar they are apparently fruitless.

If the engineers cease, over flirty thousand miners will he rendered idle. Cabinet held a meeting to-day without Premier Lang, who was absent, assisting in the Queensland election mmpaign. The Cabinet discussed the position. It is understood that Ministers take the view that, as both sides in 11n forty-four hour and mining disputes are adamant, there is small chance ot a settlement being reached, and that as all States are involved, .Mr Urine should take steps to end the troubles. •44-HOUR DEADLOCK. SYDNEY. .May 7. The deadlock in the strike over the forty-four hour week continues. Representatives of the unions are endeavouring to enlist the whole hearted support of the State Government. It i> understood the Government has been asked to cancel any contracts it had with firms which had dismissed employees for failing to observe awards, and that Cabinet bad consented to appoint a sub-committee to enquire into this suggestion. The Amalgamated Engineering Union has asked the ■ Government to take over all shops in which work for the Government is being done, and to conduct them on ti e fortv-four hour basis. Cabinet is disinclined to consider this seriously. Unionists are anxious that the Government should demonstrate in a practical manner the sympath it has expressed towards the strikers.