NEWCASTLE COLLIERY TROUBLE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 9000, 13 November 1907, Page 2

NEWCASTLE COLLIERY TROUBLE.

Per Press Association.—Copyright. Received November 13, 11.48 p.m. Sydney, November 13. Several Newcastle mines ceased work owing to the owners demanding that the men should .continue to work unconditionally until the dispute was settled. The men desired a guarantee that in the event of working for the next throe days they would ho paid all the wages earned if the dispute was not settled.

ReceivodJ;November 13, 9.25 a.m. Syduov, November 13. All hope of effecting au amicable settlement of the mining difficulty seems at present, at any rate, to have vanished, and a general strike will commence _ to-day, when it is expected all mines in the northern districts will be idle. The mines which resumed yesterday did so under the impression that by working three days all wages, amounting to £35,000, would be paid. A further effort will bo mado to reach'a'settloment. The member for the district is endeavouring to formulate proposals io have the questions in dispute submitted to fhe Premier, who, it is understood, is willing to act as mediator or arbitrator.

The miners’ Committee of Management meet to-day to discuss the situation. A mass meeting of miners will he held to-day to discuss the- trouble. The proprietors will meet on Thursday. The trouble is already having a disastrous effect on. Newcastle trade. The harbour is full of vessels waiting cargoes, hut no coal is available, and steamers are returning to Sydney and south coast ports to obtain loading. In view of the situation some Sydney coal merchants are refusing to fill orders, and a stiff advance in the price of coal is anticipated.

Received November 13, 10.19 a.m, Sydney, November 13,

Although about 8000 mine employees would bo rendered idle by a general strike, the men declare their determination not to recede from the demauds. The proprietors show no signs of recoding, and are strongly opposed to making further concessions, aud are prepared to await developments.