THE LABOUR CRISIS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9648, 13 November 1909, Page 5

THE LABOUR CRISIS.

MINERS FORMULATE GRIEVANCES.

RISE IN FREIGHTS AND FARES

United Press Association— ny &«:Ctrlc Telegrai h Copyright.. Received November 12, 10".45 a.m.

SYDNEY, November 12.

| The Miners Delegate Board has issued a statement of the grievances upon which the Newcastle strike was declared. It covers the whole troubles of the Northern coalfields for several years. Many of the points raised are of an intricate character. Mr Peter Bowling, the miners secretary, referring to the Government's proposed action, said Mr Wade's speech contained a threat in almost every line. He appeared to think that using threatening language and bluff might frighten them, but the miners were not to be frightened in that way. If Mr Wade took action it would be somewhere else than at Newcastle, and it would not be one of the miners who would be first arrested.

The coastal steamship companies have followed the inter-State companies in raising freights and fares The Union Company and the Huddart Parker line anticipate little difficulty in securing coal. The Union Company has a stock of two thousand tons at Newcastle, which is reserved for the passenger service. The stoppage of Southern supplies is likely to interfere with other companies

Fuel for domestic purpo?<~s is getting Hcarce, and stoppage of work in a number of firms is inevitable unless an early settlement takes place. A meefiine of the Sydney Labour "Council endorsed the strike. and gave its approval to an extension of the movemnet if the proprietors de • dine a conference.

Tne statement is made that if

the proposed conference fails, the waterside workers from Brisbane to Perth will strike on Tuesday.

SITUATION IN OTHER STATES,

Received November 12, 11 a.m.

MELBOURNE, November 12. The Trades Hall Council carriel a

resolution supporting the strike. Several more steamers have been placed out of commission, and others will be laid up as they arrive. Over three hundred shipping employees have been already thrown out of employment. The Kailway Commissioners, in order to reserve coal, are reducing the train services wnerever possible HOBART, November 12. Coal in Tasmania is scarce, and a big rise in price is deared. Some mines have closed.

BRISBANE, November 12. At a meeting of waterside workers it was resolved to cease work if called upon. Received November 12, 8 p.m. SYDNEY, November 12. The Zigzag minejs have j>me out, being the first Western men to join in the strike The Northern coal owners have decided to reply to the miners request, agreeing to a con Terence if the men resume work within a weak. If the conference is abortive thoy are agreeable to refer the g'ievan,c v s to an industrial court.