MORE STOPPAGES IN COAL MINES

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 280, 23 August 1944, Page 5

MORE STOPPAGES IN COAL MINES

Workers Allege Neglect (Received August 22. 11.35 p.m.) SYDNEY, August 22. While the Federal Cabinet in Canberra today is considering major problems of coal production and rationing, 10 New South Wales collieries are held up by strikes and two by breakdowns for a total coal loss of 11,000 tons. Mine stoppages last week lost the Commonwealth 60,000 tons of coal. The report for Cabinet by the Supply Minister, Mr. Beasley, reveals that the position is so serious as to foreshadow the imposition of severe restrictions on domestic industrial and transport use of coal. Gas and electricity authorities arc meeting today to devise rationing schemes which are expected to become necessary. Some industrial authorities have suggested that unless the coal position improves between 6000 and 7000 metal trades employees will have to be laid off after August 31. This would be inevitable, because of severe cuts already announced in railway freight services, under which up to 50 per cent, of the trucks normally available have been cancelled. t ■ The Miners’ Federation is believed to have been rebuked by Mr. Curtin for failing to honour the pledges given only three weeks ago to win more coal. It is also understood that the miners’ general president. Mr. H. Wells, has replied to Mr. Curtin in vigorous strain and to have stated that the recent heavy losses are likely to recur. Reviewing the alleged causes of the stoppages, be is believed to have charged some mine managements with neglect The minors are reported to have tris® for weeks to obtain redress on eomplaitor affecting health and safe working.