FLOODING IN MINES

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 15 January 1930, Page 5

FLOODING IN MINES

RUINATION EXPECTED

SAFETY MEN ABSENT

THREATS OF VIOLENCE

(United Press .vrauciation —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) SYDNEY, Jan. 14. The coalfields are fairly quiet today. The safetymen at .several collieries involved in the dispute failed to report for duty owing to threats of violence. Flooding will now occur in some of the mines, practically ruining them. Although all the mines were picketed to-day there were no conflicts. Two thousand men gathered in Aberdare Park at Cessnook and were given drill instruction by returned soldiers. Police watched the proceedings, but made no attempt to disperse them. Another trainload of coal won at the Rothbury colliery reached Newcastle to-dav. The train crew consisted of a locomotive inspector, who had an uneventful trip. This coal will he used by the Railway Department. Mr Atkins, general secretary of the Engine Drivers’ and Fireman’s Association. to-day dispatched telegrams to branches on the northern coalfields stating: “In view of the vindictive attitude of the miners to our members in forcing -some of them from their jobs as -safetymen, please instruct your members to cease work at all associated collieries until further notice.” The menacing situation on the coalfields and the Government’s firm stand is the subject of editorials in the daily Press. The Government is commended for restricting the dole to those who obev the law. The view is expressed bv the “Sun” that the cowardly assaults on the Astonfields miners cannot he condoned ; nor can the formation of armed or semi-armed forces to oppose those _of law and order. Hence any steps which the Government, may take to prevent the massing and marching of discontented men will have the full support of those citizens who desire that law shall he maintained. The “Morning Herald” says: “That the State should contribute to the support of certain subjects who refused to work, assaulted the police and are avowedly planning more violence would he monstrous.”

The “Evening News” hints that the Government may be forced to take stronger steps, and may decide gradually to organise the nower of the whole community in the defence of law and order and in the defence of industrial peace. It adds: “A few thousand insurgents cannot ho allowed to dominate millions of people.”