THE NEWCASTLE STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3777, 19 November 1907, Page 3

THE NEWCASTLE STRIKE.

A Hopeful Outlook. Sydney, November 16. The Premier sent a letter to the proprietors and miners requesting them to resume work pending the appointment by Government of a special court consisting ot a judge and two experts, one from either side, to enquire into the disputes. The Governor offered his services as mediator in the strike. Mr Wade expressed the hope that his services would not be required. The meetings of both parties to-morrow discuss Mr Wade’s letter, which suggests that all matters in dispute be submitted to the court whose decision shall be final, the settlement, to be for 12 months or longer, as determined.

Later Particulars. Sydney, November 18. Though the strike outlook is considered a little more hopeful the position is still very strained. The chairman of the Proprietors’ Association states that the Association favours submitting the dispute to the State Arbitration Court. He sees no reason why a specially constituted Court should be set up. Reports from the Southern and Western districts indicate that the chances of a sympathetic strike are now more remote. Coal in Sydney is quoted at £3 to £3 5s and £4 for large, and £2 5s to £2 15s for small. Unless there is an early settlement prices are likely to reach famine level. The shipping trade is becoming dislocated. Fifteen large steamers are now laid up, and the crews, numbering nearly 400, paid off. Fears of a partial failure of the inter-State service led to considerable speculative buying of produce. A probable outcome of the strike will be the closing of some flour mills and an advance in price. The Union Co. and HuddartParker| notify that all fares to and from Sydney, Tasmania, and New Zealand will be increased. Melbourne, November 18. Owing to the laying up of 20 steam colliers and other inter-State vessels, over 800 men were rendered idle, beside several hundred coal lumpers. The Uniop Cq. informed the Postmaster-General that it was impossible to get coal for the Moaua at Brisbane, and they would therefore have to go direct to New Zealand. The Department is enquiring into the matter, The steamers plying on the lakes are forced to use wood fuel, and one firm in the city is keeping its works going with shavings from the sawmills.