COAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1929, Page 6

COAL CRISIS

CLOSING OF MINES DELAYED. SETTLEMENT OFFER OF MINERS. (Australian Press Association). SYDNEY, June 13. The notice to close all mines will not be taken till Monday at the earliest. The Combined Unions’ Conference resumed its deliberations to-day. Mr Brown, miners’ .'counsel, stated that a genuine offer for a settlement had been submitted by the miners. He was hopeful that this would furnish an avenue for a settlement by Monday. SYDNEY, June 13. It is understood that the basis of the miners’ proposal for their return to work immediately is that they are prepared to work at reduced wages, providing that the owners will guaranteed to refund the reductions if their (the owners’) figures as to the costs of carrying on Ehc industry are proved to be wrong. • The Miners’ Conference resumed today, but they are unlikely to reach any decision regarding the proposal to withdraw the safety men from the pits until Monday, when the engine drivers’ Secretary, Air Atkins, returns from Melbourne, whither . lie is going tonight. MINERS UNITED. SYDNEY, June 13. At the- conclusion of the Miners’ Conference,- the following statement was issued to the press: “The combined Union have arrived at a policy, and. have, adjourned with, complete understanding and unanimity.” The date of the resumption of the conference, is not fixed. COAL INDUSTRY. LONDON, June 13. The Executive of the Miners’ International,' at its meeting, has passed a resolution in favour of an international conference for the unification of the hours and conditions of labour in the various countries. The Executive also passed a resolution endorsing the necessity for an international agreement regarding the production v and marketing oif coal,, with an international. committee including representatives of the coal owners, the miners and the various governments. GLOOMY PROSPECTS. ’ (Received this day at 9.25 a.m.j ' ' ' ■ SYDNEY, June 14.

Inquiries to-night elicited that the coal crisis was gloomier. The owners rejected the fresh proposals cabled, whileii! if? .reliably,pstajfed the Enginedrivers’ Executive sent nil ultimatum to the miners’ representatives demanding the withdrawal of mass pickets in the northern collieries, and the disciplining .of their leaders there, failing whigli there will he a withdrawal of the ■safotv men at the end of the week.