THE COAL STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 272, 23 December 1909, Page 2

THE COAL STRIKE.

DOUBr ABOUT THE SOUTHERN MINERS. By Cablfr—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, December 21. Mr. Hughes doubts whether the southern miners intend to return to B-n 'i. " d declnrea Mr. Wade's BUI, having come into operation, it 13 Mr. Wade's 'business now. Of the charges of inciting against fifteen members of the Colliery Employees Association, one charge a-is bceii Withdrawn, and the others postponed until the end of December. THE BOARD OP INQUIRY. STRIKERS OBJECT TO THEIR OWN REPRESENTATIVE. Received December 23, 12.5 a.m, l . Sydney, Last Night, At the first sitting of the compulsory board of inquiry into the coal dispute at Newcastle, Mr. Bowling appeared for the miners. He said he had boen instructed to object to Mr. Patterson sitting on the board, on the ground that he did not represent the collierv employees' federation at all. He had taken the position without consulting the men, and had betrayed the trust repostd in him. Mr. Bowling asked for an adjournment to enable his federation to consider the position in regard to the board's jurisdiction. Judge lleydon remarked that the question as to Mr. Patterson's position 011 the board was unassailable.

The board adjourned till January 10.