COAL STOPPAGE

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 102, 24 January 1930, Page 11

COAL STOPPAGE

NEW PLAINT OF MINERS’ FEDERATION JUDGE BEEBY ORDERS HEARING OF CASE “SERIOUS INTER-STATE DISPUTE” (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Rec. January 23, 9.5 p.m.) Melbourne, January 23. Judge Beeby, dealing with the new plaint of the Miners! Federation to-day, that there was a serious inter-State dispute extending beyond the limits of one State, and ordered that the hearing of the case begin at Sydney on February 18. DEMAND FOR FEDERAL INTERVENTION LABOUR CONFERENCE IN SYDNEY Sydney, January 23. A conference of forty Labour representatives in the Sydney Trades Had last night, at which one Federal Minister was present, passed a resolution insisting that the Federal Government should intervene in the coal dispute, proclaim a state of national emergency, disarm and remove police, and seize a few of the richest and largest mines, and work them with union labour, at current rates. One speaker suggested that the policy of the Labour Party at the next State elections should include a plank for the socialisation of the coal mines without compensation. In a resolution of censure upon the Federal Labour Ministry, the conference of Labour representatives expressed the opinion that the Government was lacking firmness, initiative, and ability to deal with the coal dispute. A demand that the Federal Government prosecute the coal owners with the utmost rigour of the law and that a prohibitive duty be struck on coal imports was made at last night’s session.

CHARGE OF INTIMIDATION MINERS’ OFFICIALS ARRESTED DETONATORS UNDER A MAT Sydney, January 23. A sensation was caused at Weston when seven men, prominent officials of the Hebburn Miners’ Lodges, were arrested and later charged at Kurri with intimidation. They were released on bail. The action was taken under the amended Crimes Act. More arrests are expected. The police yesterday visited a dozen homes in Cessnock in a search for arms and ammunition. The police are inquiring into the discovery of three detonators under a floor mat in a hotel at Kurri, where the police are staying. . It is definitely stated officially that no further mines will be opened yet by the State Government. The miners on'the coalfields yesterday were quiet.