N.S.W. COAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1930, Page 5

N.S.W. COAL CRISIS

DRASTIC ACTION BY THE GOVERNMENT.

(Australian Press Association), SYDNEY, Jan. 13. • The Bavin Government has decided to take drastic, action -to prevent demonstrations by the miners on the coalfields. Men taking part in such assemblies, or obstructing the police, will he denied food relief orders henceforth.

The police have also been reinforced, and have been instructed to prevent mass picketing, or unauthorised drill-

Mr Bavin stated to-day that he had been advised that a large number of law-abiding miners were compelled by threats to take part in these demonstrations The threats consisted variously of personal violence, deprivation of the strikers’ dole, or that their houses would be burned down.

SOUTH MAITLAND FIELD

SYDNEY, Jan. 13

A Newcastle message states that a reign of terror is developing on the Northern coa^lfields. The police are unable to trace all of the meetings-of the miners.

It was openly stated to-day that every mine on the Lower Maitland coalfield will he picketed to-morrow, and that an attempt will be made forcibly to evict the employees, and run the mines.

The owners of the Dudly and Burwood mines, fearing the worst, have appealed to the police to provide adequate protection.

THE ROTHBURY TRAGEDY.

INQUEST DELAYED. SYDNEY, Jan. 13. A Maitland message says that the Coroner, instead of opening a Magisterial inquiry to-day into the death of the miner. Norman Brown, who was killed bv a bullet in the clash with the police at Rothbury on Dec. 16th. f announced that he would adjourn the inquiry until February 10th. He remarked that further publication of the details, owing to ill-feeling on the coal fields, might make matters worse.

By consent, the inquiry was adjourned.

A very large crowd of the unemnloyod miners gathered in the precincts of the court house, intending to make a demonstration against the police. MORE POLICE FOR COAL FTEDS. SYDNEY, January 14. A further detachment of fifty police left for the coalfields last night. The opinion is expressed in the North that the time has arrived when the Government needs to swear in a strong body of srecial police for service on the coalfields.

ATemhers of the Labour Defence Corps are being drilled by returned soldiers.

Miners have forced a cessation of passenger train services on Cockle street to Wallsencl private railway.