COAL SETTLEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1929, Page 5

COAL SETTLEMENT

REAr ARK A l 3LE T) FMON, STRATI ON . (Australian Press Association) SYDNEY. Dec. I. The news of the proposed settlement of the New South IVales c-.al strike has evoked joyous expressions in Newcastle and on the Northern coalfields, these being comparable to those on Armistice Day. There were demonstrations at Newcastle. The people thr. nged the streets, motors hooted, the tramways’ gongs clanged and the shipping in the "harbour sounded the sirens, making a continuous din that was unprecedented in the city’s history. Men cheered and women 'became hysterical. The shops reported an immediate improvement iii business. The rejoicing on the coalfields is widespread, the news coming as a light in the darkness to many people who had not known how they were going to live through the Christmas period. If the miners ratify the settlement terms, rush coal onrers are assured, as the coal stocks everywhere are depleted, and many are very low. It is certain that the sales to the Government services alone to secure full stocks, and also reserves, can fur’nisli ‘employment for twelve Hundred men immediately working full time at the mines. The Gas Companies and the h ; g Industries are all in need of large quantities of coal to restore lrrmal conditions. 11l addition to this, all these have promised to increase the consumption of coal at a reduced price. The end of the'dispute will mean the resumption of work by fen thousand mine hands, who, during their past thirty-six weeks of idleness, have lost nearly two million sterling in

wages. MR SCULLTN’S TACT. SYDNEY, Dec. 1. The Federal Prime Minister, Mr Jas li. Smith, has declined to comment on the peace development, he preferring to leave the miners to come to their final decision without their being influenced by any outside statements. The Federated Engine Drivers’ Federation however are hot so tactful, and they have declared that their organisation is not concerned in the settlement, and that it would; not lie binding on them.