LAST-MINUTE HITCH

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 983, 28 May 1930, Page 11

LAST-MINUTE HITCH

BREAKDOWN PROLONGS N.S.W. COAL DISPUTE MINERS’ COSTLY LESSON United P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright Reed. 10.15 a.m. SYDNEY, Today. A last-minute hitch iu negotiations has caused a postponement of the reopening of the coal mines today. The Northern Miners’ Federation announced that the resumption of work at the Associated Mines had been adjourned to a date to be fixed. It is understood the federation’s action has been dictated by the fact that a number of miners’ lodges decided not to return to work until the volunteers were out of the Rotbbury pits. An earlier message said between 30 and 40 of the northern collieries were to be reopend today, and at least 8,000 miners would be re-employed aftre 15 months of idleness. Additional pits are being prepared for the resumption of operations within two weeks. It is expected that about 10,000 miners will be at work when all the minor differences now engaging attention have been settled. HUNDREDS OUT FOR GOOD Hundreds of men, however, will not be employed. For them the Federal Government will attempt to find other work. Now that the grim struggle is nearly over, business people on the coalfields think the lesson, though costly, will prove a blessing in disguise. The Premier of New South. Wales. Mr. T. R. Bavin, has informed the miners’ officials that his Government will not release the imprisoned rioters, but in regard to those convicted of minor offences each case will be reconsidered on its merits. The Cabinet now is considering when freight concessions can be made upon the railways in order to assist in winning back the lost coal trade. It is believed that Is 6d a ton reduction will be allowed on coal for local use and 2s a ton upon coal for export.