AUSTRALIAN COAL

Evening Star, Issue 20198, 11 June 1929, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN COAL

NEW SOUTH WALES CRISIS RESTLESSNESS BECOMING MORE MARKED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. NEWCASTLE, June 10. Between 3,000 and 4,000 miners marched to Richmond Slain colliery before O' o'clock in tho morning, and picketed the mine. The police reported that nothing had occurred to warrant intervention. From this mine tho engine drivers and firemen have been withdrawn, and restlessness is more manifest each clay. POST!’ION IX SYDNEY. GAS SUPPLY CURTAILED. SYDNEY, June 10. The community is at last beginning to feel the effects of tho coal hold-up. The largest metropolitan gas company announces restrictions on tho supply, and urges consumers to use 10 per cent, less gas for cooking. The company is forthwith cutting off the gas between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and 8 p.m. and 0 a.in. This will affect 500,000 people immediately, and restaurants are already radically revising their menus. The Government lias appointed an emergency gas board similar to that during the 1917 strike. The Government gives the assurance that tho police force is adequate for the preservation of order, although the feeling is tense on the northern coalfields. Air C. McDonald, chairman of tho Northern Collieries Association, when interviewed, admitted that the position was extremely serious for gas users, ami if the safety men are withdrawn, together with the drivers, from the western and southern pits, the coal supplies of the State will immediately cease. He added that all reserves are by now exhausted.

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

SYDNEY, June 10

The Coal Commission intends, before hearing evidence, to inspect the pits. Counsel is urging that tho whole of the evidence be taken in camera, and this point is now under consideration. Air J. A. Browne, counsel lor tho miners, appealed for a reopening of tho mines on the old conditions before tho investigation commences. This aspect is to be placed before the mine owners and the Government.

GENERAL COAL STRIKE FEARED

WHOLE STATE INVOLVED

SYDNEY. June 11

(Received June .11, at 9.15 a.m.)

ft is feared that a coal strike throughout the whole State will occur ou Friday, The engine drivers and liremeii need give only twenty-four hours’ notice, and Mr Atkins, the State secretary, is confident that to-morrow-s meeting of the State Council will endorse the “all out” policy. A general strike will close down the st.ee! works at Newcastle within a very short period, throwing 10,01)0 men out of employment. At the Coal Commission Mr Browne, K.C., representing the mining unions, stated that the miners wore prepared to return to work under the conditions prevailing previous to the cessation of work if pit wages and costs are higher than claimed by the unions. “We will submit to whatever adjustment of wages is considered necessary,” he .said. It is improbable that the coal owners will agree to a resumption of work on the pre-existing rates of pay.