“NOT TAKING ANY.”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 260, 20 October 1911, Page 2

“NOT TAKING ANY.”

CAPITALISTS AND AUSTRALIA THE MINING INDUSTRY. Hobart, Oct. 9. Mr. John Craze, manager of the Zrehan Montana anil Zeehan Western mines, lias returned from a trip to England. He left for London in April last to meet his directors in reference to the disposal of the output from the mines, and also that

from the Eiv e-mile. the Zeehan smelters at the time of his departure being closed down. These, however, have since reopened, and, as already reported, satisfactory contracts have been made for the output frcni the mines to be sent to the Zeehan smelters for two years, with the exception of 100 tons per month, which will continue to go to Germany.

Air. Craze came back disappointed with the trip, as he was unable to place several good propositions which he took home.

“I icgret to say.’ he commented, ’’that it is impossible to get any money in London for mining purposes in Australia -*n consequence of labour troubles. I tell you, the position is a serious one. There is plenty of money available in London. but not for Australian mining or other ventures where labour is required. When I say Australia, I, of course, mean Tasmania. I took Home two good propositions. I wanted £50,009 for one and £20,000 for another. Capitalists did not doubt for one moment my testimony as to the value of the propositions, but the.v simply said that they could not look at anything in Australia. Western Australia was receiving much attention in London, but that has now been withdrawn in favour of other countries where labour troubles are unknown, or practically so. I found Canada a very favoured country, and I happened to be in a London office one day when a gentleman obtained, only after a few

hours’ application, haff a million of money for a Canadian venture. No doubt this labour business will level itself in time, but while we are waiting for that, damage is being done that will probably not be retrievallie. The Mount Lyell strike is a very serious matter, and may develop into a national calamity. It will do Australia an incalculable amount of harm in the Old Country. The men had no grounds for striking. The trouble at Queenstown will make the position in London worse than I found it.” The attention of Air. Craze was drawn to (he statement made the other day that the A.ALE.A. intended making demands for increased wages. ‘'Yes,” replied Air. Craze, “I have seen the statement. Speaking for my companies, I can say that we shall have to close down if any increase is insisted upon, and there are other companies in Tasmania similarly situated. The labour people are going the right way to kill the mining industry in this State.”