Australian Topics

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 271, 28 August 1946, Page 6

Australian Topics

COAL SITUATION

NEED FOR RESERVES MR CHIFLEY’S APPEAL TO MINERS (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.; (Rec. 12.20) ADELAIDE, This Day. ,Mr J. B. Chifley has told the miners that if an adequate coal reserve for Christmas cannot be accumilated, they should consider foregoing their end-of-year holidays. He stated that he had impressed on the Miners’ Federation the need to build up substantial reserves to carry the nation over the holiday period. . In Sydney the Coal Commissioner, Mr H. Williams had denied a claim by officials of the Miners’ Federation that a coal distribution committee had been appointed to assist him. 1-Ie said that, he had been present at the discussion between Senator W. P. Ashley and the unions, and that far from a committee having been appointed to assist him, it had been appointed for the sole purpose of inquiring into allegations that some organisations had been receiving more coal than they Avere entitled to. It in no Avay affected his authority or his poAvers to distribute available coal in the fairest manner. Commenting on the formation of the neAV committee, Mr W. F. • McNally, secretary of the Southern Colliery Proprietors’ Association, said its, composition proved that the Communist Party was the real ruler of industry. Two of its three members, Messrs H. Wells and E. Thornton, Avero members of the Communist Party Central Executive. ❖ * * * * Communist candidates for positions on the executive of the Road Transport Workers’ Union have been decisively defeated for practically every position.

An interim report of the voting indicates that official Labour Avill be completely successful. The election campaign is regarded as the most bitter seen at the Trades’ Hall for some years. It is expected that Communists holding paid positions in the organisation Avill be dealt with when the neAV State executive meets.