SUSPENSION OF FEDERAL COAL BOARD

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3169, 21 August 1917, Page 5

SUSPENSION OF FEDERAL COAL BOARD

A SUKPKISE FOR THE MIKEKS. A sensation was caused at Newcastle on July 21 when Mr. Justice Edmunds abruptly suspended tlio Federal Coal Board. The dispute at the Kothbury Colliery was being considered, and when, it was announced that an order which Mr. Justice Edmunds had made had been referred to the lodges for an expression of opinion ho said that was a new development. Addressing the miners' representatives, he Said: "I would ask you to consider into what position I am likely to dnii} myself iud my judicial office. .[ suppose I may call myself a judge, but what is the position when the- question as to whether the Judge's decision will be obeyed has to depend upon tho will of a body called the District, taken by ballot? If it is intended to create sumo machinery ]>y which the District is to have control by its vote, then I shall give no countenance to such an arrangement. If the coal-mining industry can bo carried on only by getting somo person who will acquiesce therein, then good; bnt I will not be such a person, I, therefore, at once adjourn all tho proceedings of this board, and shall wait until that state of affairs lias passed away." Although the suspension of the 1 ederai BoaTd came as a surprise to the majority of thoso connected with the industry, yet it was apparent that the conditions which have existed in tho Newcastle and Maitland districts for several weeks past could not continue much longer without a crisis being reached. The miners have gained more from the Federal Coal Board tfftin from any ether board in existence. They will no doubt do their best to retain it, as if it la cancelled the order made at the beginning of the year for Increased rates and reduced working lioura, as well as awards issued since then, will probably be cancelled, too.