THE COAL STRIKE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 20 April 1917, Page 5

THE COAL STRIKE.

NO L jM PR O v ZIIvrR -t

HUNTLY STILL WORKING

AUCKLAND, April ;<). There is little new to relate to-dav regarding the strike among the Waikato coal miners. Two of the three mines i L i that district, upon which Auckland city and province depend for tliir coal supply, are now idle, the Taupiri mine at Huntly, which produces rather moro. than half the Waikato coal output, beiug at the present time the only source of supply, which tvas already at a seriously low ebb prior to the strike at Wa pa and Pukcmiro. The intention of the Huntly miners is still obscure, but a secret ballot is to be held there either to-day or on Saturday, and it is hoped that patriotic considerations will outweigh all other influences when it

comes to a choice between dislocating

and imparing every industry of the community at a time when so ranch denpends on every ounce of effort, and a loyal adhension to the commonweal. Meanwhile it is satisfactory to note that the output from the Huntly pits during the last few days is reported to have increased rather than diminished. Hamilton is threatened with early in-

convenience if the coal strike continues. The electric power from Frankton

may be cut off without further notice, while local coal dealers are on such short commons that many householders are without supply, Tire municipal gasworks have sufficient eoal to last about two months. The Waikato executive of the Farmers’ Union to-day resolved: “That the executive assure the Government of loyal support in the present crisis, and will do all in its power to assist lawful means to the successful carrying on of essential Inrustries, so that supplies and shipping shall not be stopped.”

WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL'S Ch ACTION.' % rp IT* J 0 t y'7 X ECbNOMISING ■ LIC FIT SUPPLY. 'M'h? _A—— r , > W* WELLINGTON, this day. The City Council last night adopted the following suggestions by the City Engineer: —With a view to economising coal during the present crisis the hours for cessation of work, in business premises be as follows; Offices and warehouses 4.30 p.m., shops 5.30, street lighting be out off at midnight, cutting out all external illuminations such as advertising signs 5 till 7.30; picture theatres not to be supplied with lighting between 4.30 and 7 p.m., on the tramways Sunday traffic to be curtailed as far as possible by charging a universal sixpenny far°.

THE COMPULSORY SERViIE ACT

NO COMPROMISE WHATEVER

GREYMOUTH, this day

At the meeting of the Greymouth Labour Party’s branch, in connection, with the municipal elections, Messrs O’Brien and O’Rourke, speaking on behalf of the coalminers, stated that in the strike against the Compulsory Service Act, so far as the miners was concerned, there would be no compromise whatever. They asked for

support and co-operation in a practical way, indicating that the miners themselves could only hold out for five months without outside assistance, but if the people wanted the Act repealed it was “up to them - ’ to back up the miners, who were called upon to do the tvork for the people. Mr. P. S. Webb, at the same meeting, stated that although the miners of New Zealand are seventeen per cent, less in numbers than prior to the war, the output was 25 per cent, more and the output per miner was - a ■world’s record.

The meeting passed a resolution of sympathy with the miners, and called upon the Government to repeal th© Act.

Sir James Allen said he was courteously received in addressing meetings of miners. He believed the visit would have a good result. Yesterday the Acting-Premier presented the late Pte. Geauey’s mother with a Military Medal won by her son.