THE AUSTRALIAN COAL STRIKE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 311, 10 February 1910, Page 5

THE AUSTRALIAN COAL STRIKE

THE WAGES BOARD.

MIXERS SEEK AN ADJOURNMENT.

By Cable.—Prees Association.—Copyright Received February 10, 12.20 a.m. Newcastle, Last Night.

The Wages Board met to-day. Mr. Chariton, a member of the Assembly, at the miners' request applied for an adjournment for a week, in view of the possible early resumption of work. He s-aid the result of the ballot, recommended "bv tlic- delegate Board, would be known <>a Wednesday. The president ivplied that he tould not grant the adjournment on the grounds asked. He suggested that Mr. Charlton use his e(Torts to secure a consultation between tilie representatives of the two sides, himself offering to act as mediator. He believed such a con.-iiltation would speedily settle the majority of the grievances. He grant ••} an adjournment till to-morrow to allow Mr. Charlton to consult the miners.

THE CONSPIRACY CHARGES.

THE MEN'S DEFENCE.

Received February 9, 10 p.m. Sydney, February 9.

The hearing of the conspiracy cases was' continued to-day. Each of the ■five accused made a statement in defence.

Bowling claimed that he never had said a word to encourage the men to strike. He had always d«ne his best to keep them working. As to conspiracy, any action taken was entirely on his own responsibility, without consulting anyone. Brerraan. Burns, Lewis and Gray disclaimed any connection with conspiracy to bring about a Strike. They acted innocently on their own initiative in carrying out their duties as the miners' ofl'isials.

Burns, referring to eertain evidenoe at the trial, said that when replying to a question he had advised the wives and children of steehvorkers to & l teal bread. He meant " steel it." This be intended, as it was taken, as a pun.