N.S.W. COAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 May 1926, Page 1

N.S.W. COAL TROUBLE.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.]

COAL STOPPAGE

START OF THE STRIKE.

SYDNEY, May 9.

The mining engineers fourteen days ago gave notice to the coal owners ol their intention to strike, and the notice expired this morning, and, in accordance therewith, the engine drivers and firemen at the collieries ceased work.

The men put everything in order before they left the pits.

The engineers’ action threw tho miners idle, and work at practically all of the collieries throughout New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania is at a standstill.

As Saturday is an off-day, the New South Wales southern dstrict mine proprietors will not know what the miners intend to do till Monday, but is accepted as a foregone conclusion that they will fall into line.

Reports from the local districts show that the men took the position philosophically. Everything is quiet. SYDNEY, May 9.

It is understood that tho possible hope of a settlement of the mining trouble is that Hon Mr Baddeley’s suggestion to appoint Alx Piddington, K.C., the Industrial to hold an enquiry, at which each side would have three representatives sitting with him. finds considerable favour.

'The men’s side declare that they arts willing to he represented at a conference with an independent chairman. In tho meantime the fans at tho mines are being kept going, and no horses are being withdrawn from tho pits.

'The optimists express tho opinion that the mines will he working again early next week. The colliery engineers, however, appear determined to secure the demand for which they struck, namely, the wage margin for skill, which was lost under the award of the Coal Tribunal of which Mr Hibble was the chairman.

ENGINEERS SOLID. SYDNEY, May 9. In connection with the forty-four hour week trouble, there was a big mass meeting of the metal trades employees. They resolved to continue their fight. They also resolved that no new shops he allowed to start and that no overtime shall be worked till tho fortyfour hour week is conceded. The meeting also decided to accord both moral and financial support to the British strikers. SYDNEY, A lay 9. The Minister of Alines, Hon Air Baddcley, remains at Newcastle, where there are important negotiations proceeding with a view of finding a way out of the mining engineers’ strike. Yesterday a lengthy mectnig of the Federal Executive of the Engine-Driv-ers' Association began in Sydney, and it continued its sessions till late last night, discussing the position.

After this meeting, a statement was made that there was still some hope of a settlement being reached though definite information of the progress of events was not forthcoming. ENGINE DRIVERS’ STRIKE. ALL -MINES IDLE. SYDNEY. May 3. Between seven and eight his morning all mines throughout New Smith Wales Victoria and Tasmania were thrown idle owing to the engine drivers and firemen's dispute over wages. About a thousand engine drivers and firemen are directly concerned and additional twenty In thirty thousand miners are t : ad into idleness.

.Air Baddeley lias suggested that Air Piddington, the Industrial Commissioner should act as arbiter. 1 lie parties will consider the proposal during the week end. .Miners generally are opposed to tlie action ot the engine drivers, holding idial the time is not opportune for a strike. Beiet I nods are in an exhausted condition, consequently if the men are idle for any length of time they will sufler much hardship ARBITRATION PIiOPOSED. (Received this day at 8 a.rn.i SYDNEY, -May 9. The coal-owners to-morrow discuss the pr iposal of Mr Piddington to act as Arbitrator in the engineers’ trouble, ll is understood they regard it not unfavourably, hut that the men ate less favourable to the scheme than previously reported. COAL SUPPLIES. SYDNEY, -May 10. Many manufacturers have supplies of coal which they state will not last nnieli more than a week. Should the strike lie prolonged, many of these will have to close down. It is reported the Bailway Department has a substantial supply in stock. The Electricity Department of tile City Council has sixty thousand tons in reserve. AIELBOUBNE, May 10. Stocks of coal oil hand and on the water for use of Alelbourne public utilities are authoritatively stated to be large. Unless the strike is lengthy it is not likely nny restrictions w" enforced on. utilities depending on coal.