COAL PEACE WELCOMED

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 December 1929, Page 12

COAL PEACE WELCOMED

NEWCASTLE DEMONSTRATIONS. By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.) SYDNEY, December 1. The news of the proposed settlement of the New South Wales coal strike evoked joyous expressions in Newcastle and on the Northern coalfields, these being comparable to those on Armistice Day. There were demonstrations at Newcastle. The people thronged the streets, motors tooted, the tramways’ gongs clanged, and the shipping in the harbour, sounded sirens, making a continuous din that was unprecedented in the city’s history. Men cheered and women became hysterical.

The shops reported an immediate improvement in business. The rejoicing on the coalfields is widespread, the news coming as a light in the darkness to many people who had not known how they were going to live through the Christmas period. If the miners ratify the settlement terms, rush coal orders are assured, as the coal stocks everywhere are depleted ,and many are very low. It is certain that the sales to the Government services alone to secure full stocks, and also reserves, can furnish employment for 1200 men immediately working full time at the mines. The gas companies and the big industries are all in need of large quantities of coal to restore normal conditions. In .addition to this, all these have promised to increase the consumption of coal at a reduced price. Mr. Jas. H. Scullin declined to comment on the peace development, he preferring to leave the miners to come to then' final decision without their being influenced by any outside statements.

The Federated Engine Drivers’ Federation, however, are not so tactful, and they have declared that their organisation is not concerned in the settlement, and that it would not bo binding on them.