AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20162, 24 January 1929, Page 11

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES.

TROUBLE WITH LABOUR.

MINERS' TRAGIC ACTION.

REJECTED ' STATE PROPOSALS

GREAT UPHEAVAL FEARED

(Received January 23. 9.45 p.m.) SYDNEY. Jan. 23

The rejection by the miners of the New Soutli Wales Government's proposal for the stabilisation of the coal industry was commented upon to-day by the Premier, Mr. T. R. Bavin. He described their action as tragic.

The Premier said he would not relax his efforts to find a solution of the problem in spite of yesterday's abortive conference, ft had been made plain to the miners' representatives that an immediate decrease in the price of coal would mean an immediate increase in the volume of general employment.. Mr. Bavin complained of the attitude of the leaders of tho Labour Party, who had attacked his scheme as if it were an insidious attempt to reduce wages. That had very materially helped to create the feeling which had resulted in the rejection of the Government's proposals. Both sides to-day considered the situation. The Northern Collieries Association met, but the only comment the secretary would make was that there would have to be sonif readjustment of tho industry.

The Railway Department, the gasworks, and other large industrial concerns recently have been increasing their reserve supplies of coal. Tlioy have made no secret of the fact that thev fear a disastrous upheaval if the coalmino owners attempt to take drastic measures to keep the mines in operation. A message from Newcastle states that if the miners were to cease work the strike would be short-lived owing to the shortage of their finances. The men assert that if they were allowed to take a secret ballot they would accept a moderate reduction in wages. Some unionists anticipate that the Prime Minister, Mr. Bruce, will now intervene.

At Cessnock 60 per cent, of the miners arc on wages and the remainder on contract rates. Most of the former earn less than the weekly basic wage. They contend that mining stock is "watered" and that the industry should not be required to earn profits on capital which is non-existent. POLICY OF OWNERS. DECLARATION SHORTLY. POSITION DEEMED OMINOUS. (Received January 21. 12.35 a.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 23 Mr. C. McDonald, chairman of the Collieries Association, stated this evening that the owners would declare their policy in a few days. This is. regarded as ominous Inter-State shipping would be the first to feel the effects of a strike, but the railways and power-houses have good reserves of coal. TIMBER TRADE AWARD. 48 HOURS CLAUSE MADE. MEN'S SUICIDAL POLICY. (Received January 03, 9.45 p.m.Jr MELBOURNE, Jan. 03. In the Arbitration Court to-day Mr. Justice Lukin announced the final vital clauses in the timber workers award substituting a 48-hour week for one of 44 hours. He expressed regret that tho representatives of the union should have seen fit to hold aloof from the proceeding-. His Honor said: If Ihe majority of the members of the union were to exercise their reason there would Vie no trouble. Independent investigation has shown tha't the timber industry is in a bad way, particularly in Sydney, where, on a capital outlay of A 11,750,000, the average return in five years has been only about 2.2 per cent. The Judge asked how the men could expect the industry to continue on those lines working only 44 hours a week. It would bo better if the men tried to meet their employers instead of wasting money and injuring the whole community by au upheaval. " I feel I have done rnv duty on all the evidence," said His Honor. "If the employees do what I thing is suicidal it will be very regrettable."