THE COAL CRISIS

Evening Star, Issue 16822, 26 August 1918, Page 5

THE COAL CRISIS

INVESTIGATION BY BOARD OF TRADE,.

[Psa United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August 24.

The Minister of Mines stated to-day I that proposals for the Royal Commission have been submitted to representatives of the Coal-mine Owners' Association and Miners' Federation. Mr Mac Donald said that in the circumstances he could not disclose details of the proposals till both parties to the dispute had had an opportunity to express their opinions. Already the Government have committed themselves to a comprehensive investigation through tho Board of Trade. It is an inquiry which ranges from the seam to the consumer. The idea with the Royal Commission is to have a general stock-taking on a field much wider than the ground of the dispute between employers and miners.

POSITION UNCHANGED AT WEST PORT.

fPia United Prkss Association.]

WESTPORT, August, 26

The coal situation is unchanged. The Denniston mine is working the same as usual, but tho Miilerton and Stockton men are still out.

More colliers are arriving in town. Shipping to-day is practically at a standstill. The Canopus and the Alexander Nile are in port, but are taking on board no coal. The railway yard is well lined with strings of empty coal waggons.