ALL MINERS OUT

Grey River Argus, 28 February 1947, Page 5

ALL MINERS OUT

In Southern N.S.W. GENERAL STRIKE MAY BE AVERTED (Rec. 10.5). SYDNEY, February 27. All of the southern mines in New South Wales were idle again to-day, while the district Union officials conferred with the Central Executive of the Miners' Federation on the proposal for a general coal strike. The southern miners, who demonstrated in Sydney yesterday for higher compensation to dust victims, have stopped work indefinitely. Other’ mines which were idle yesterday in sympathy with south coast miners were working to-day, with the exception of one in the west, and two in the north, whose men remain still out in sympathy, and two other mines were held up by local disputes. The output lost, to-day totals 17,700 tons, of which the southern miners contribute 9000 tons. This will make the coal losses for this week heavier than they have been for over a year. The advocates of a general strike are not having things their own way. The Prime Minister, Mr Chifley, made an appeal to the miners not to jeopardise the jobs of the workers in other industries. This is having its effect. There is also an offer by the combined coal owners in New South Wales to confer on general claims on March 10, or some other suitable date. TALK OF GENERAL STRIKE SYDNEY, February 27. The district presidents of the Miners’ Federation from Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, are here to discuss a proposed strike on all the Australian coalfields, as urged by the southern miners yesterday. The Victorian miners agreed with those of southern New South Wales not to return to work till their demands were met. The presidents, will decide to-day whether aggregate meetings will be held. COMMUNISTS BLAMED SYDNEY, February 27. Mr Treatt, Leader of the State Opposition, said that yesterday’s march of miners in Sydney was- an attempt to over-awe the Government, and was sponsored by the Communist Fa. ty. It was noticeable that every time a miner counselled moderation, he was howled down. Owing to the extreme shortage oi coal, he added, a general strike would immediately paralyse about SO per cent, of industry, close down the Bunnercng powerhouse, blacking otu the whole of Sydney metropolitan area, disorganise and restrict the train, tram, gas, water and sewerage services, and throw about 750.000 men out of work.