THE AUSTRALIAN COAL STRIKE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 261, 10 December 1909, Page 2

THE AUSTRALIAN COAL STRIKE

GAS COJU'ANi IX A FIX. COAL FROM AIiROAD. By Cabls—Press Association—Copyright , Received December 10, 12.25 a.m. Sydney, -bast Might. The situation in regaru to the Sydney gas supply lias undergone a- change. Owing to the coal lumpers' strikj, the company secured 3800 tons, which was lying alongside their jetties awaiting discharge. If the company attempt to employ nonunion labor, the gasworkera' union have notified them that they will go on strike. The company have only ten days' supply of gas on hand. The acting-Premier announced in the Assembly that the Government had cabled for the supply of 60110 tons ol coal from abroad. It is not stated whence it is to be obtained, but it is

supposed from Japan. The southern mine-owners', in response to the Government's invitation, have stated that they will liave their mines ready to work on Monday morning if the men caro to return. UNREST AMONG THE UTHIhUKS.

THE MEDIATION EFFORTS. | Sydney, December 0. There is much unrest among tlie wlmrf laborers. A meeting last night decided to ask all wharf laborers who were members ot military or naval forces to resign therefrom. A raaßs meeting of the union is called lor Saturday, to consider the position of the strike. The Government's invitation to th» owners and the men to work the mines lis published. The acting-l'rcniicr expressed tin* hope that the parties were stilt coining together, and added: "Failing this, it will

be easy to supply the public with com to-morrow." Continuing, he said lie understood that the southern and western miners were willing and waiting to go to work, and that tliej only wanted the consent of the Strike congress to return. They had no grievances. He hoped wise counsels would prevail in these districts. The Lord Mayor lias submitted a scheme for mediation by compulsion to Mr. Wade, Premier, who could urn «ec hi 3 way to act upon it, as lie considered it amounted to nationalisation. He declared the Government could not work the mines on trust, hut it would protw life and property if the mines were worl

Ed by the owners. Mr. Hughes expressed an opinion in favor of the government's taking over the mines as i\ temporary expedient. He believed the men would Oe willing 'o work for the Government. He, at an* rate, would advise them lo do so. Mr. Bowling, addressing- a meeting at WnlLsend, declnred Mr. Hugiics' leadership had been a failure. The men, he said, hod been fooled too long by talk | of mediation, and would eitiie.r have to light or trawl ilown. Both mines continue working. They are turning out a good supply for the railways, whicfc are also securing considerable quantities of waste slack coal from other sources. The Union Company is reiommissioning the steamer; Paloona, which is to be dispatched to Tasmania shortly. i STATE COAL .JUNE FOU VICTORIA. Melbourne, Dei-ember 0. The Assembly has passed a Hill authorising the establishment of a State coat mine. HELP KItOSI AUCKLAND. Auckland, December 0. The Waterside Workers' Union has voted £6O to |the wives and children of the miners on Btrike in Australia.