AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1927, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] THE COAL TROUBLE. GENERAL STOPPAGE FEARED. SYDNEY, Feb. 11. An acute position lias already arisen in Newcastle owing to the stoppage of the collieries. Shipping activities are almost at a .standstill, and when the steamers under coal cranes have completed loading, supplies will be exhausted. Tho Government lias )a reserve stock of sixty thousand tons at Bullock Island, but owing to exposure to the air, this last month, its calorific value will be most unsatisfactory for use at Broken Hill steel works, which will be compelled to draw from this source if a settlement of tho dispute is not speed liy effected. It is believed tho Miners Federation at the aggregate meetings on Monday will urge tho men to stand out for a minimum wage throughout tho industry and the appointment of local boards' for the settlement of disputes. Tho owners state the trade is so slack tlf.it for many Companies the strike will not result in the imposition of conditions much more onerous than they are at present enduring. Mr Bnddle.v states the official appointed by the Federal Government to enquire into the position, colderred with the owners and subsequently with tho minors representatives, and Mr Baddlev is satisfied the way things are now shaping in Melbourne. although no official statement is made, it, will bo decided to-morrow to pay off the crews of several collieries and lay the vessels up at Melbourne.