THE COAL STRIKE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9084, 2 December 1909, Page 5

THE COAL STRIKE.

TWENTY-SEVEN THOUSAND MEN

IDLE

TRAIN SERVICES REDUCED.

C'By Eleotbic Telegraph—Copyright.) {Per Preßß association.) Received December 2, 10.40 a.m. SYDNEY, Dec.' 2. Twenty-seven thousand men are idle and the number is increasing daily. A further reduction has been made in the railway services. COMPULSION TO BE USED TO-MORROW. SYDNEY, Dec. 1. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly in reply to a. question Mr Lee etated that as tho reeujt of Government intervention negotiations were now proceeding between the parties concerned in the strike. They had been given till tomorrow to come to an arrangement, failing which a compulsory board would be appointed on Friday. EFFORTS AT CONCILIATION. SYDNEY, Dec. 1 Premier Wade had an interview in his bedroom, where he is still confined, with Mr Hughes to-day, and sees Mr Learmouth in the morning, the object being to give them an opportunity of coming to some arrangement so as to forestall legal proceedings to bo taken by the Government on Friday. The Northern proprietors have handed the press a lengthy statement of their position. They complain of misrepresentation by the strike leaders and state that, having nothing to hide, they are willing to abide by tho. finding of the Parliamentary tribunal. They claim that only an independent tribunal can adjust the difficulties. LOSS OF TRADE. - • SYDNEY, Dec. 1. Giving evidence before the Colliery Wages Board a prominent Newcastle proprietor declared that the foreign coal trade had recently fallen off 50 per cent owing to financial troubles and genenal depression. As a result of the present strike next year's contracts had been placed elsewhere and their foreign trade was lost for that year. AT THE STATE MINE, STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT'S CASE. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 2. Replying to Mr Guinness as to the position at the Point Elizabeth State mine, the Minister for Mines said that the Government and management at the mine had used every endeavour to arrive at a settlement of the dispute between the Miners' Union and the mine manager. The industrial agreement between the manager and workers showing the tonnage rates for hewing coal and payment for other classes of labour was quoted as well as the new proposals, which provide for the manager doing all tho trucking and jigging. To concede this demand, which is the only onC not settled before the strike, would have involved an additional cost of about £4000 a year. The mine during the last six working months was making no profit. The Government, in view of these facts, considered it imposible to accede to the miners' request as the wages already earned, 14s a day, were fair and reasonable. The Government offered to submit the dispute to arbitration if the mon would continue work under tho old agreement. The Government, after considering tho courses open, decided to refuse the demand and let the questions be submitted to the Arbitration Court or Conciliation Commissioner. The manager reported that if the concession for trucking and jigging was granted it would increase the men's earnings by about 20 per cent.

CALM BEFORE THE STORM. GBEYMOUTII, Dec. 1. There is the greatest reticence observed over strike matters, and it appears a case of calm before a storm. If one can judge by persistent rumours that are going the rounds before many days a general 6trike will take place. Both sides are playing the waiting game, and until a move is made no authentic news can be obtained. A WEEK-OLD STRIKE. BUSINESS FALLING OFF. GREYMOUTH, Dec. 1. Although the State coal minore have now been out a week the matter is no nearer settlement. The steam whistle at the mine is soundec 1 . every morning for work, but without result. Already tho stoppage is roiing a de.pressing effect on business in the district. The State eawmill has ceased work. The valuer for the Government has decided not to recommend any more advances to workers for building houses in the district. The amount paid in wages at the mine averages over £3000 a month. It is expected that the Executive of the Miners' Federation will meet_ at Weetport on December 6th to consider tho situation and decide on future action.