THE COAL STRIKE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 28 April 1917, Page 4

THE COAL STRIKE.

MEETING OF SAWMILLERS, RAILAGE OP TIMBER. A very large meeting of sawmillers was held at Taumarunui yesterday, at which men interested in the timber industry from Marton to Hamilton were present, Mr. M. M. Carpenter representing the Rangitikei Co-Opera-tion Sawmillers’ Association. It was mentioned that the railways were still carrying white pine for essential purposes, such as butter boxes and cheese crates.

By a unanimously carried resolution the following telegram was despatched to the Minister of Railways by the chairman of the meeting, Mr. J. W. Ellis, Taumarunui: “A meeting of sawnnillers -here assembled, representing the industry from Rotorua to Marton, and employing 3000 hands, respectfully wishes to know when the carriage of timber over the railways will be resumed, so that millers can make their arrangements accordingly. If the carriage of timber i s much longer delayed the bulk of employees must of necessity be discharged. Your difficulty is appreciated and you. are assured of sawmillers’ sympathy and support.” \

The Hon. Mr. Herries’ reply came promptly to hand, and is as follows: “Telegram received. I regret that I cannot at present name a date on which carriage of timber over railways will be resumed, as that depends entirely oa the action miners take. The State miners are at present not working. If the miners carry out their share of the agreement I hope to have sufficient coal in sight at the end of next week to carry on v ithout trenching on stocks. "We '"’ill taen be able to say whether we can lift the embargo on goods. Sawmillers, owners and employees, may rely on tlw embargo being lifted at the earlieC possible moment.” A black and white sheep dog bitch, about 8 months’ old, lost in Taihape last Thursday, is advertised for.