THE COAL STRIKE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9668, 16 December 1909, Page 5

THE COAL STRIKE.

J?KOBABLE GOVERNMENT ACTION.

PENALTIES TO BE MADE MORE DRASTIu United Proas Association —Eleotrio Telegraph Copyright. Received December 15, 9.50 a.m. SYDNEY, December 15. The State Premier has announced that the Government is considering the most practical and effectual means of assisting to maintain the supremacy of the law. The doings of the Strike Congress had been watched, and, while it had prevented the strike from spreading, it was "nevertheless controlling operations. It is believed that the Government will pass a short Act making the penal clauses of the Industrial Disputes Act more drastic. There are no immediate prospects of the Southern miners returning to work, and the horses have been again j removed from the mines. The Railway Department has resumed the carriage of wool to the seaboard. Up to date the sum ot" £5,000 has been contributed to the strike fund from various parts of the Commonwealth. The money is distributed as fast as it comes in. Received December 15, 11.15 p.m. SYDNEY, December 15.

Mr Hughes, after having had a long talk with Mr Wade, and subsequently meeting the Strike Congress left for Newcastle. Before leaving he said matters had reached a stag« when something definite must be done, and at a very early period. "I am putting into effect what I conceive to be not only the best but the only policy in the interests of holh the men and the public," said Mr Hughes. "Time alone will show whether or not they will prove successful." It is believed that there are grounds for the persistent rumour that Mr Hughes' mission to Newcastle is to use his influence in persuading the Northern men to consent to the Southern miners resuming work. Some of tthe Northern delegates of the Strike Congress arc accompanying Mr Hughes.