AN ACUTE STAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 265, 16 December 1909, Page 2

AN ACUTE STAGE.

THE SIDNEY STRIKE. "SOMETHING DEFINITE MUST BE DONE." By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyrh/fli Received 15, 11.55 p.m. Sydney, December 15. Mr. Hughes, M.P., after a long ii'k with the Premier (Mr. Wade) an* a subsequent meeting with the Su''<e Congress, left for Newcastle. Before leaving he said matters had reached a stage when something definite rauet be done, and at a very early period. He was, he said, putting into effect what he conceived 'to bo not only the best but the only policy in the interests of both men and the public. Time alone would show whether or not the proposals I would prove successful. It is believed that there is ground fur

the persistent rumor that Mr. Hughi s mission to Newcastle is to use hits :n lluence in persuading the northern miners to consent to the southern miner; resuming work. Sonic of the northern delegates to thi Strike Congress are accompanying Air Hughes.

ACTION BY THE GOVERN MEN I'. MAKING THE CLAUSES OF THE ACT MORE DRASTIC. Received 18, 0.50 a.m. Sydney, December 15. In the Assembly the Premier (Mr. Wade) gave notice to move to-morrow the suspension of the Standing Orders to permit of the Industrial Disputes Amending Bill passing all stages in the one day.

This is taken as an earnest of the Government's intention to make the penal clauses of the Act more drastic. The proprietors have replied to the Dean of Newcastle's suggestion for a truco_thnt as the Government was now taking action it would be better to leave the settlement to it.

STEAMERS WORKING THEIR CARGOES.

UNIONIST TICKETS WATCHING OPERATIONS. I POLICE WATCHING THE PICKETS. Received 10, 0.50 a.m. -" Sydney, December 15. Tie steamers Marmora, Dorset, Mar, 100, Palermo and Golava were woridag their cargoes to-day With their own hands and a few free laborers.

Unionist pickets watched the operations. The police were present in considerable force. Their services, however, were not required, there being no demonstration.

THE SUPREMACY OF THE LAW. POVERNMENT ON THE WATCH. Sydney, December 15. The Premier announced that the Government was considering the most practical and effectual means of assisting the supremacy of the law. The doings Of the congress, he said, had been watched, and while the congress had prevented the strike spreading, it was, nevertheless, controlling its operations. It is believed the Government will pass I a short Act making the penal rlnnsc in [the Industrial Disputes Act more drastic.

There are immediate prospects of the southern miners returning to work. The horses have again been removed from the mines.

The Railway Department has resumed the carriage of wool to the seaboard. Up to date £SOOO has been contributed to the strike fund from various parts of the Commonwealth. The money is distributed as fas't as it comes in.