THE COAL STRIKE.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 April 1917, Page 8

THE COAL STRIKE.

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS THIS WEEK. 10 MEET THE STRIKE SITUATION. 1 (From Our Own Correspondent). Wellington, April 20. ■The members of the Government at present in Wellington have no comment to make upon tho news that the coal miners of the West Coast have resolved to continue their strike in support of the demand for the repeal of tho Military Service Act. Sir James Allen and the Hon. W. D. S. MaeDonald, who hate been visiting the centres of the trouble, are expected back here on Sunday, and Cabinet will consider the situation on Monday. The attitude of the Government undoubtedly is going to be firm. The Ministers are determined to maintain and enforce the compulsory recruiting sys•tern, which is essential if tho reinforcements for the New Zealand army are to be send forward regularly and at full strength. The means that will be adopted to secure the continuance of necessary industries and the transport services in the event of the strike being prolonged will be made known in due course. It is understood that so««ie important measures have been discussed already ar.d' that developments indicating the nature of the Government's plans are likely to take place jext week. I WELLINGTON'S DILEMMA. —STOCKS ALMOST EXHAUSTED, Wellington, April 21. Wellington coal merchants had Bold all their stocks and ceased taking orders B \>me days ago. The shipping companies will bo 'seriously affected, and there is a possibility that only one steamer will run in tho Wellington-Lyttelton ferry service, although it is suggested tha> the Government may supply sufficient coal to maintain tho present service. No coal is available for the gjneral public. Government offices are to open at £|.3o a.m. and close at 4.30 p.m. during the coal crisis, in order to save electric light. The Wellington Gas Company has sufficient' coal for one month's normal requirements of 15,000 consumers, A