V-P DAY BLACK-OUT

Grey River Argus, 15 August 1945, Page 5

V-P DAY BLACK-OUT

Prosped for N.S.W. DUE TO COAL SHORTAGE (Re’c. 8.10) SYDNEY, August 14 In a last minute attempt to prevent ' the rationing of gas and electricity, the Acting premier of New South Wales, Hon. Mr. Baddeley, proposed an immediate inquiry into the South Maitland coal strike. There are 2o mines involved. Yesterday Mr. Baddeley made his proposal in telegrams sent to the Prime Minister, Mr. Chifley, and the Secretary of the South Maitland Deputies’ Association. Mr. Baddeley suggests the findings of a Committee of Inquiry shall be final, and that the twenty-five mines shall resume immediately. “Responsibilty for coal production rests upon the Federal Government,” said Mr. Baddeley. "’rhe paramount consideration to me, however, is that efforts to settle this dispute have failed, and New South Wales faces a serious crisis. The State Government is determined to do everything in its power to avoid rationing.” Mr. Baddeley’s announcement followed a statement by the Coal Miners’ General President, Mr. H. "Wells, ; in which Mr. Wells said that Sydney faced the prospect of a near blackout during the V-P Day celebratipns. “This week,” said Mr. Wells, “the nation needs coal very badly. If this stoppage continues for even a few days, and the war ends within a week, there will be little coal during the holidays for electricity and gas and for industry.” Mr. Wells added that to avoid this situation, the next move was up to the Government. It appeared that there was no solution except the reinstatement of the suspended deputy over whom the strike was called. ; Gas company officials stated that \ gas rationing is now inevitable, but that the position is so serious that rationing would not be of much help. The stoppage at the twenty-five South Maitland colleries has resulted in the loss of forty-four thousand tons of coal in two days this week.