N.S.W. COLLIERY DISPUTE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 129, 16 March 1950, Page 5

N.S.W. COLLIERY DISPUTE

DEPUTIES STRIKE AT 31 MINES ■ GAS TO BE RATIONED IN SYDNEY (N.Z.P. A.—Copyright) SYDNEY, March 15. The most serious coalmine dispute since the general strike of last winter began yesterday when deputies in 31 mines in the South Maitland field ceased work. The miners produce more than 23,000 tons a day, including the bulk of the coal used in Sydney’s gas works. Gas rationing will begin in Sydney and Newcastle at midnight tonight as a result of the strike. Gas supplies will be cut by 25 per cent. The chairman of the Central Coal Reference Board (Mr F. PI. Gallagher) said to-day that lie did not think-it right that the community should allow the state of affairs which now. existed in the Maitland district to continue without taking some steps to punish the wrongdoers. Mr Gallagher • made his comment before proceeding with the hearing of an application by the coal owners to make the miners’ holidays dependent on the continuity of their work. Mr Gallagher said he realised that action against the Striking deputies would hot result in coal production, but at least those responsible for “this wanton strike” would get the punishment they richly deserved. The deputies, who are safety workers, and are essential to mine operations, decided yesterday that they would not resume work till the questions in dispute were settled. They claim that deputies should be employed in State open-edt collieries. After they had held a stop-work meeting on February 27 to press their claim, it was announced that the men would forfeit a week of their longservice leave. The production of 25,664 tons of coal was lost yesterday as a result of the strike. This was more than half the average dajly • production from all New South Wales mines.