COAL CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1929, Page 6

COAL CONFERENCE

NEGOTIATIONS FAIL

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY, Nov. 14

Mi- Charles Hibble, the Chairman of the Compulsory Coal Conference, reported on the failure of the negotiations to-day.

His report declared that the only solution would be the acceptance by the men of one shilling per ton reduction in their wages on costs, collectively spread over the whole of the contracts and the “offhand” employees, the actual incidence of which was a matter for the parties.

He added: “It is quite impossible for the mines t° function further undei the present conditions without a substantial tangible reduction in the selling price of coal.” “I am convinced,” he says, “that this really is the only way out. The coal owners are willing to forego one shilling per ton, while the State Go ' ernment is prepared to bear tvo shillings per ton for haulage. I hope that the men will resume shortly, and that a greatly increased volume of trade, occasioned by‘the price reduction, will be advantageous to all concerned.”

GOVERNMENT TAKE OYER THREE COLLIER IES.

(Received this day at 10 a.m.) . SYDNEY, November 15

The Coal Conference having failed to reach agreement it is now the intention of the State Government to take over three collieries in Maitland District to win coal for essential sen ices. It is estimated the coal from these collieries will be sold at about 21s 6d per ton.

Negotiations are in progress for tab ing over by the Government of several other mines. '

Mr Hibbl,e statqd: “Were I enabled to sit judicially, bv judgment would be that the Alining Union should accept a reduction of a shilling per ton.’ The three collieries to be opened are Cessnock, Pelton, and Rothburv. The Government is confident there will be no lack of volunteers. All preparations have been made to give them protection.