JOYOUS OUTBURST

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 835, 2 December 1929, Page 9

JOYOUS OUTBURST

END OF COAL DEADLOCK HAILED

PEOPLE CROWD THE STREETS United i'.t. — By Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, Sunday. The news of the proposed settlement of the coal strike evoked a joyous outburst in Newcastle and on the northern coalfields comparable only to the Armistice Day demonstrations. At Newcastle the people thronged the streets, motor horns hooted, tramway gongs clanged and ships in the harbour sounded their sirens, making a continuous din unprecedented in the city's history. Men cheered and women became hysterical. The shopkeepers have reported an immediate improvement in business. The rejoicing on the coalfields was widespread. The news came as light in the darkness to many who had not known how they were going to live through the Christmas period. RUSH OF ORDERS ASSURED If the miners ratify the terms of the settlement agreed upon by the owners and miners’ delegates, a rush of coal orders is assured, as stocks everywhere are depleted and many are very low. It is certain that sales to the Government services alone, to secure full stocks and reserves, can furnish employment at the mines for I, men immediately, and on full time. The gas companies and big industries all need large quantities of coal to restore normal conditions. In addition to this all these industries have promised to increase their consumption of coal at the reduced price. 10,000 MINERS AFFECTED The end of the dispute will mean a resumption of work by 10,000 miners who, during their 36 weeks of idleness, have lost nearly £2,000,000 in wages. The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. J. H. Scullin, declined to comment on this development toward peace. He said he preferred to leave the miners to come to the final decision uninfluenced by outside statements. The authorities of the Federated Enginedrivers’ Federation, however, were not so tactful. They said their organisation was not concerned in the settlement, and it would not be binding on them.