EFFECT OF STRIKE ON COUNTRY TOWNS

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23746, 18 September 1942, Page 4

EFFECT OF STRIKE ON COUNTRY TOWNS

TEN DAYS’ COAL SUPPLY IN HAMILTON BAKERIES (P.A.) HAMILTON, September 17. Country towns are feeling the effect of the Waikato coal dispute through o shortage, of coal supplies. Hamilton bakeries have only enough coal for about 10 days, and municipal gasworks have enough for a fortnight. Dairy factories are also in short supply. The reduction of train services is causing much inconvenience.

withheld to give the men a chance of settling the dispute. It seemed, said Mr Meredith, that counsel wished to make a bargain with the Court—that the whole thing be suspended until the men could make up their minds to go back to work. He could not understand that. ' It seemed that the men were under orders from a larger body. That could not be tolerated. Surely the men could make up their own minds whether they should work. “The matter is so serious,” said the Magistrate, “that it cannot be allowed to continue. Coal is wanted for the war effort. The miners know that as well as you or I. A grave responsibility rests on the Court to-day. It is certain that the Court does not want to prevent work going on. The Court desires that the men go back to work. If a short interval should be given to allow counsel to consult his party, would that suit? If that undertaking is made, the Court will have a much easier task to perform.” The adjournment to 2 p.m. was then taken, and subsequently the adjournment till to-morrow.