COAL STRIKE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1929, Page 5

COAL STRIKE

OPENING ROTHBURY MINE (Australian Press Association) SYDNEY, December 15. As the result of interviews with them by the Miners’ Union pickets, the members of the Engine Urivers’ Onion' who went to the Rothbury mine to work there when the mine reopens on Wednesday next, left the Rothbury Camp last night., It is unlikely, however, that tlieir defection will impede the programme of the State Government to have coal coming out of the Rothbury mine by midweek. It is reported that the strikers intend to mass from eight to ten thousand men about the Rothbury mine on .tionday morning, with the idea of “demonstrating” the free labourers out of the camp. The police last night kept a close watch all round the Rothbury mine workings. A campi has sprung up at Rothbury like a mushroom during the fortyeight hours prior to Saturday. The camp bears a military appearance, and the mine manager’s office looks like an army headquarters. There are high police officers there, who, in stifling heat alnd wearing little clothing are pouring over maps showing the strategic points of the locality. The eyes of the Trade Union movement are now on the Miners’ Council which is meeting in Sydney on Tuesdaq, when the question of the extension of the dispute to the other states will be decided. The balance of voting power is held by the Southern and Western miners. it is proposed also to reopen the coal pit at Peitou. This evening will divide the strikers’ ‘•demonstration" force. MINERS MARCH.

A TENSE POSITION. SYDNEY, December 16. v The march of miners on Rothbury commenced at midnight. Between five and eight thousand men, most of them, carrying food in hags, marched past the colliery gates to a point half a mile away. There was no demonstration, apart from a few epithets hurled at the police. The position, however, is tense. Police reinforcements from the city, country and suburban stations are being rushed to Rothbury. An eleventh hour move will he made by the Federal Government and Miners Federation to prevent, the opening of the colliery with free labour. It is stated action will be taken under the Federal Arbitration Court for a breach of the mining award, should free labour at reduced pay be introduced. . ; • . The Minister of Mines (Mr Weaver)’ is at Rothbury. He says the whistle will blow on Wednesday morning. It is intended to open two other collieries early in the new year. The miners leaders addressed the men and urged them not to resort to violence. Another '.hundred free labourers are due to-day aboard a train, strongly guarded by police. The outburst of Mr Scullin in the House, concerning camp equipment, has not caused any concern and the material is not being returned until other arrangements have been made. Premier Bavin stated that equipment had been acquired from the National Rifle Association as the result of a contract and the goods had been paid for. MINERS RUSH POLICE. REVOLVERS USED. (Received this day at noon.) SYDNEY, Dec. 16. A message from Rothbury states a crowd of four thousand miners early this morning rushed the police who were forced to use revolvers. Three miners were wounded and several police wounded by stones ad timber in the following melee. <- There , was another riot about 9.30 when the crowd tried to force their way into the. mine property. Several shots were fired by the poIbeMuid it is reported one man was killed and others injured. Branxton telegraph and telephone lines are cut. LOCAL WEATHER BUREAU. The local observer for the Dominion Meteorological Department reports the following rain and sunshine records for the week ending, Sunday, Dec. 15th:— Sunshine Rain

Monday, Dec. 9th. hrs. min. 42 Ins. .19 Tuesday ,10th. ... ... — — — Wednesday, lltli. ... — — .06 Thursday, 12th. ... 3 — .05 .Friday. 13th. ... ... 6 48 — Saturday, 14th. ... 11 54 — Sunday, loth. ... ... 2 12 — Total ... 24 36 .30