COAL TROUBLES

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1930, Page 6

COAL TROUBLES

0 WNELIS’ PR EI’AR ATI ONS.

FOR 'EARLY RESUMPTION

(Australian.. Press Association)

SYDNEY, Alarcli 25

The coalfields to-day displayed many signs of relief when news came tliat' the end of a long idleness was measurably near. Though tho fact is not overlooked that tue men have been beaten, everyone is sick of the prolonged inactivity. Even the sound of the bagpipes at the head of the short-lived Workers’ Army had palled, and Mie anger engendered by the baton charges of tbe police had died away, leaving only, a hopelessness, from which almost any form of settlement is a welcome relief The whistle have blown again at Alberdare Extended Aline, seeming to stir up new life.- At "Cessliock preparations are being pushed on for a resumption of work. • The coal owners’ policy is not expected’ to be altered by whatever the Government oi Miners’ Federation may do.

DEPUTIES AND AIECHANICS ALL

RETURN

SYDNEY, Alarcli 25

The Commissioner of;. Police; has. been informed that theOdepUtiep and mechanics have returned-to aIL of the mines on the northern*.fiplds.

federal government

PREPARED TO ASSIST MINERS

CANBERRA- March 25».

The Prime Minister, Mr J. H. feculliu, in explaining the Federal •Government’s hitp 'offer of iriiiepence subsidy to the coal miners,"'"stated that the offer was intended -to apply until the Arbitration Court hearing was concluded. It was expected that finality would have been reached in February. The offer of that subsidy did not therefore exist to-day, but the Government was prepared to take action to secure the re-opening of the mines if an opportunity arose to secure an agreement

MINERS’ CONVENTION

NON-ACCEPTANCE OF PAY RE-

DUCT K>N

( Deceived. this day at 8 a.m.) —SYDNEY, March 25

The Miners’ Convention decided not to ac<-( jit any reduction in pay or an j n , : : Jion.'S, and that the work will not be iesumed at the Associated Collieries until all summonses against members are withdrawn, and all terms o. imprisonment suspended, It is understood a proposal was submitted that men may be advised to go back to work under the terms of the November compromise. but the majority rejected this suggestion. . . j . •• To-day’s decision apparently makes the resumption of work as far-off as ever It is learned from an authoritative source the Convention will, call aggregate meetings on the Northern Coalfields next week, • whereat the men will be given two alternatives—(l) That a higher levy be struck to support unemployed miners or (2) that the terms of the November compromise be accepted.