COAL INDUSTRY PROBLEM.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 24 January 1929, Page 5

COAL INDUSTRY PROBLEM.

* REA DJUSTMENT ESSENTIA L. BOTH SIDES MARKING TIME. ..-it Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY, Jan. 23. Commenting on the miners’ rejection of the Government’s proposal for the stabilisation of the coal industry, the Premier, Mr, T. R. Bavin, described the action as tragic. Mr. Bavin added he would not relax his efforts to find a solution of the problem despite yesterday’s abortive conference. He said it was made plain to tli|e miners’ representatives that an immediate decrease in the price of coal meant an immediate increase in the volume,of employment generally. Mr. Bavin complained of the attitude of the Labour Party leaders, who were attacking his scheme as if it were an insidious attempt to reduce wages. This had very materially helped to create the feeling resulting in the rejection of the Government’s proposals. Both sides to-clay are taking stock of the situation. The Northern Collieries Association is meeting. The only comment the secretary would make was that there would have to be some readjustment in the coal industry.

The railway Department, gasworks and other large industrial concerns have recently been increasing their reserve supplies of coal, making no secret ot the fact that they fear a disastrous upheaval if the coal owners attempt drastic measures to keep the mines going.