THE COAL-MINERS' STRIKE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 18 November 1907, Page 3

THE COAL-MINERS' STRIKE

msgotiations hung up till MONDAY.

Sydney, November 10. Alter the conference, the Premier, Mr Wade, said he was unable to make a public statement of the position, because it was necessary to re-open certain questions. The whole matter must remain in abeyance until Monday. The delay arose through the representatives of each side not being authorised to bind their colleagues. Alter Monday, when the proprietors are again to confer, it is probable that a definite stage will be reached in the negotiations. In statements submitted to the Premier the proprietors express their willingness to allow the men to return to work under the conditions prevailing in the various pits before the strike, and to submit the dispute to the Arbitration Court, each side giving a positive assurance that it will strictly adhere to the Court's award. The Southern Coalmine Owners' As--sedation has offered to concede the men's demand to amend the working ' agreement and advance the hewing rate 6d per ton, conditionally upon a guarantee that the existing agreement be respected in 1!)09. The Southern and Western coTfieries are extremely busy. There is no indication as yet that the miners in these districts intend to join the strike.

Coal at Sydney is quoted at £2 15s to '£3 for large and 10s to 15s less for nnaJL

It is reported that arrangements have been completed for obtaining shipments from Japan, Manila, Colombo, and Durban. It is expected that some cargoes will be landed in Sydney within three weeks. Owing to toe shortage of coal the feny services are to be curtailed generally. Melbourne, November 16. The price of coal has taken another Wg jump. It is now quoted at £2 17a 6d to £3. Stocks in Melbourne are estimated to •mount to 10,000 tons.

Finns are commencing to shorten the number of hands. The inter-State steamer services are to be curtailed. Ojly one steamer will Bail to Western Australia each week.

Negotiations are proceeding for the importation of coal from the East and elsewhere. 11

Mr Dealdn, the Federal Premier, Stated in the House of .Representatives the New South Wales State Government railed to obtain a settlement of the strike the Commonwealth Government wouH probably have to take action. GOVERNOR OFFERS TO MEDIATE. PREMIER'S PROPOSALS CONSIDERED TO-DAY. Beceived Nov. 18, 1.2 a.m. Sydney, November 17. The Governor offered his services as mediator in the strike. The Premier, Mr. Wade, expressed, the hope that the services would not be required. 'Meetings of both parties are to be bell to-morrow to discuss Mr. Wade's letter, which suggests that all matters m dispute be submitted to a court whose decision will be a final mettlemeat, to be for twelve months or longer M determined.

THE PREMIER'S DECISION. SPECIAL COURT TO BE SET UP. MEN REQUESTED TO RESUME WORK. \ Received Nov. 17, 8.10 p.m. Sydney, November 16. . The Premier has sent a letter to the proprietors and miners requesting them _to resume work pending the appoint4nent by the Government, of a special eoort eonsisting-ot-a-3iia|MSa tun ?s~ v >%*«**. one from either side, to inquire into the disputes.