N.S.W. COAL TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1929, Page 5

N.S.W. COAL TROUBLE

N.S.W. COAL TROUBLE

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY, November 21

Although only six miners offered for work at the Roth bury colliery yesterday, the New South Wales Government iloes not consider its failure in this regard is a proof that union labour will not eventually he available. The Minister of Mines, Air Weaver, who visited Rothbury yesterday, announced that the Government would open the pit at all costs.

MINISTER lAL STATEMENT,

SYDNEY-, November 21

The New South Wales Minister of M ines, Mr "Weaver, in an outspoken reference to the matter to-day, indicated that if the Government’s efforts to work the Roth bury colliery failed for want of Union labour, there was the possibility that the Government dole for the unemployed miners would he withdrawn.

Before the Government can appeal for free labour, a Bill will have to be passed by Parliament repealing the clause in the Mines’ Act, which provides that only skilled men can work in the face.

MR SCULLIN’S CONFERENCE,

SYDNEY, November 21

ft is unlikely. that there will be any further development on the coal fields until after the week-end conference called by the Federal Prime Minister, Mr J . H. Scullin. It was stated to-day flint life Mining Engine Drivel’s organisation will not he represented at this conference, owing to its hostility to the Miners’ Federation.

N.S.W. PREMIER'S ATTITUDE

SYDNEY, November 21

The State Premier, Mr T. Bavin, announced in the Legislative Assembly to-day that he would attend the coal conference called by Mr Scullin at Canberra during the week-end, but he said that he would be no part}' to any settlement which, would not involve a reduction in the price of coal by 4s per ton. He was not prepared to icommit people of this State to any reduction in the handling costs while other parties to the dispute were allowed to escape. '