THREATENED STRIKE IN N.S.W.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 14070, 27 May 1946, Page 3

THREATENED STRIKE IN N.S.W.

INTERVENTION BY MR CmELEY Sydney, May 25. The Prime Minister, Mr Chifley. has intervened to avert the threatened general coal strike in New South Wales. Helms summoned the miners’ leaders and the mineowners’ representatives to discuss the latest coal developments at special conferences in Canberra next week.

The ’ discussions will cover all existing disputes in the coal indust!y, including the .general striko-vthroat over payments To contract miners. The New South Wales executive of the Australian Labour party has also decided lo intervene in the coal .impute in the -hope of producing a foimula tbal would diminish the number of disputes and increase production.

The basis of the executive's prorata me is:

(1) The establishment of a statutory authority covering- all phases of :ho production of coal in New South Vales and its distribution throughout Austra'ia and overseas.

(2) Such authority should he given power to nationalise the coal industry, plan the development of mining areas, prepare a long-range policy for the recruitment of -coal miners and the mechanisation of industry in accordance with approved safety methods and the attraction of ether industries to ccal areas, the establishment a Commonwealth fund and the use of the most up-to-date methods of production, as well as social amenities. ;

In Melbourne the Minister for Electrical Undertakings, Mr J. Kennel’y, said the greatest breakdown in Victorian industrial history was likely to occur if the restrictions on the use of electricity were not rigid]} observed. Tire drastic restrictions ordered on Thursday arc expected to last for two months at least. The household use of radio, radiators, toasters and similar electrical equipment' is forhidden between certain hours. Tramway services are curtailed and night clog-racing is prohibited.