COAL INDUSTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 19, 23 January 1929, Page 7

COAL INDUSTRY.

CRIPPLED IN N.S.W.

Premier Meets Representatives

Of Miners.

REHABILITATION ATTEMPT.

SYDNEY, Januarv 22.

Efforts to rehabilitate the coal industry were begun to-day. The Premier of New South Wales, Mr. T. R. Bavin, conferred with representatives of the Miners' Federation. The proceedings were in camera.

It is understood that the Premier proposed a reduction in wages at the rate of one shilling a ton and a reduction in the selling price of coal by four shillings a ton.

The view is expressed in union circles that the miners will not agree to a reduction in wages, but it is expected that the coalmine owners sooner or later will take the initiative toward a reduction, in order to bring matters to a climax.

Miners are already receiving financial aid from the Government pending the outcome of the present negotiations.

_ The Cabinet to-day decided to discontinue making relief grants to ■ the unemployed miners at Broken Hill and a sub-committee was appointed to ascertain whether the idle mines there can be reopened with the co-operation of the miners. If not the Government proposes to discourage the miners from remaining there, wasting their time and living on doles which are not economic.

PROPOSALS REJECTED.

ABORTIVE CONFERENCE.

SYDNEY, January 22.

After three hours' discussion the miners' representatives rejected the Premier's proposal, which they claimed would mean a 12$ per cent reduction on contract rates and one shilling a ton on the wages rate.

As an alternative the miners* representatives proposed that there should be a complete inquiry into the ramifications of the coal industry. This, they contended, would open the way for the rehabilitation of the industry. Mr. Bavin replied that there was no hope of such an inquiry unless the miners accepted reduced rates of pay. The conference broke up, leaving th» position unaltered.