N.S.W. COAL LOCKOUT

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1929, Page 5

N.S.W. COAL LOCKOUT

' SYDNEY, June 28. 1 Because of a decision, by the Royal Court Commission in investigate the books of the coal proprietors in camera, there is a possibility that the coal miners will withdraw their representatives from ilie coal inquiry. The miners’ lodges will meet on Sunday. when the position will he discussed, and it probably will he finalised early next week at a meeting of the Full State Council of the Miners’ Federation. .MINERS WITHDRAW PROMISE DANGER OF GENERAL STRIKE. .... (Australian Prees Association). | (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 29. The Union Conference has written to the Acting-Premier withdrawing: the undertaking given on June 12th to abide by the findings of a Royal Commission, owing to the refusal to allow an open investigation into coal owners’ profits. The miners’ representatives, likewise the engine drivers’ executive, describe the Commission proceedings as farcical, and a general strike will he considered early next week. SERIOUS POSITION. CALLING OUT ENGINE DRIVERS. (Received this day at 10.30. a.m.). SYDNEY, June 29. Tho State Council of the Enginer Drivers and Firemen’s Union decided to call out all men ''from A the northern mines. Southern and western engine drivers are to he left at work for the present to provide the “sinews of war” for northern men. During the week-end mechanics, deputies and engineers will be asked to follow the engine drivers. This grave decision means that all machinery at the mines where the owners have made no special arrangements, will lie at a standstill.