REHABILITATION PLAN

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 24, 29 January 1929, Page 11

REHABILITATION PLAN

NEW SOUTH WALES COAL

MB. BAVIN'S DISAPPOINTMENT

United Press AssociatUa—By Electric Tele.

graph—Copyright.

SYDNEY, 28th January,

Consequent on the miners' refusal to accept the State Government's scheme for the rehabilitation of the coal inclustry, the Commonwealth's offer of a shilling a ton subsidy has officially lapsed. This is viewed gravely by the Premier, Mr. Bavin, who doubts whether it will be possible to have it renewed. The Commonwealth's action in promising a bounty to Now South AVales at the expense of other States caused a storm of disapproval. Mr. Bruce, therefore, will hesitate before renewing the offer. Mr. Bavin added: "My chief regret is that the Miners' Federation appears to have taken the view that its duty does not consist in setting the industry on its feet, but is only concerned to advance the special interests of its own members. That attitude will get us nowhere."

■ Mr. Bavin has not yet concluded his discussions with the coal owners, but it is expected that their attitude will be defined before the end of the week.

Mr. Bruce telegraphed to-day that the Federal Government has no intention of conducting an inquiry into the coal industry on the lines suggested by the Miners' Federation. He added that the question of handling the coal situation was entirely one for ,the State Government. This message dissipates the miners' last hope and has caused their representatives marked disappointment.