AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 22 November 1916, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

ISSUE IN DOUBT. ■ - V COALMINERS TAKE BALLOT. NORTH SUGGESTS RESUMPTION. WHILE SOUTH TALKS FIGHT. SYDNEY, Nov 20. Varying reports come from the mining centres regarding the probable result of the ballot on the question of resuming work, which has been postponed until to-morrow. In the northern district, where are the majority of the miners, there is anticipation of a resumption. The south coast and western fields fear militant influences. A proclamation has been issued prohibiting the use of gas for power, tomorrow. No gas-cooking or lighting is permitted between eight o’clock in the morning and five o ’clock in the evening. The reduction of electric power has affected 1500 factories, and many are closed entirely. All businesses and shops and oflice feel the pinch owing to the stoppage of lifts.

THE MEN DETERMINED

GOVERNMENT WORKS CLOSE DOWN. Received 10.30. SYDNEY, this day. The Miners’ Federation has cancelled the arrangement for a ballot of the Northern mines owing to hostility of the men. A meeting of Southern miners decided amid great enthusiasm, not to take a ballot, expressing a determination not to resume until all their demands were, granted. Twelve hundred were paid off at the Walsh Island Government Works, involving a loss of wages amounting to £sooh weekly. There is sufficient supply to light the city for a fortnight only. It is anticipated that before the end of the week the whole brick works will cease operations. In the Assembly Mr. Fuller gave notice of motion that the House consider the expediency of introducing a bill to promote an earlier use of daylight in certain months. GREAT APPREHENSION FELT. SYDNEY IN SERIOUS DARKNESS. SYDNEY, Nov 21. The greatest apprehension is felt regarding the attitude of the miners. Reports from various coalfields are gloomy and confusing. An aggregate meeting of South Coast miners resolved against the ballot, which has again been postponed. The northern district is apparently awaiting the result of this meeting before taking action. Gas restrictions have caused a rush for cooking stoves and kerosene. Stocks .of the former are practically exhausted, but there are ample supplies of kerosene. Gloom prevails in the city to-night. Newspaper offices and shops are work ing by the aid of lamps and candles. Patrol men are out to prevent contravention of the regulations and to enforce penalties. The Walsh Island men have been paid off and the dockyard workshops have been closed indefinitely. MELBOURNE, this day. The Railway Commissioners estimate the Victorian grain yield in the forthcoming harvest at 46,249,550 bush els. FREEMANTLE, this day. Arrived: Kaisershind.