THE AUSTRALIAN COAL STRIKE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 248, 25 November 1909, Page 2

THE AUSTRALIAN COAL STRIKE

EARL DUDLEY OFFERS TO MEDIATE DISSENSION AMONG OWNERS. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Sydney, November 24. The Earl of Dudley, Governor-General of Australia, has informed Mr. Deukin that lie is willing to act as mediator in the strike if both parties ask liiru. Mr. Hughes states that Mr. Bowling's scheme for working the mine is completed, but the time for starting work is not lixed. He scouts the idea tint the Government is taking legal action if the matter under the pornmeree or Anti-Trust Acts, and points out that 1 the alleged coal combine was under the ! shadow of these Acts months ago and I that nothing was done, lie thinks the 1 Miners' Federation is like a combine, 1 which may deep soundly at night. The ■ threatened Acts won't hurt tlicm what--1 ever else does.

It is rumored at Newcastle that dissensions exist among the colliery proprietors, and that there is a possibility <■ some breaking away from the vend. II is further stated that rather than allow the vend to be dissolved they may con sidcr the advisability of ending the strike.

One of the southern district miners' lodges has recommended the executive [that if the men are granted eight hours' [work from bank to bank they are willing to resume work pending the conference.

THE MLNEKS' CASE. Sydney, November 24. The strike conference lias furnished the Government with the miners' claims, which are as follow: A minimum daily wage with a uniform sliding scale. Eight hours from bank to bank. A sliding scale for machine won coal. A Shilling per ton for screened small coal. Penalties imposed for filling with dirt. The abolition of the second shift.

PROPRIETORS MEETING. Sydney, November 24. The northern proprietors meet to-day to consider the men's request for an open conference. A party of Labor members of Parliament is leaving for Victoria to-day. It is understood its mission is to approach the miners of that State not to hew coal for New South Wales.

The colliery engine-drivers and firemen are much annoyed at the refusal to allow them representation at the strike congress. Their federated aseociation has taken action under the Federation Arbitration law to redress their grievances. EASTERN COAI-. London, November 23. Japanese and Calcutta coals will probably bo available for Australia from the middle of December at a cost of about twenty-five shillings per ton. OWNERS STAND FIRM. THREATENING LETTERS. Received 25, 12.50 a.m. Sjdney, November 24. The northern colliery owners, after a lengthy meeting, decided to adhere to their determination that no proposal for a conference be entertained unless the men first go tack to work. The strike leaders have received anonymous letters threatening them with dire happenings if they acted as strike breakers.

One writer, using the nom de plume "Ferrer," stated bombs were being prepared to blow np the Trades Hall The leaders treat the letters as jokes. Twenty-five steamers are laid up and a thousand officers and seamen are idle. The ferry companies started reduced services to-day to conserve coal. The German mail steamer managed to secure a thousand tons of bunker I coal at £2 per ton. GETTING OVER THE DEADLOCK. Received 25, 12.50 a.m. Sydney, November 24. Recognising that a deadlock has .arisen over the strike, the acting-Prc- | nrler has requested both sides to meet him.