COAL CRISIS

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 106, 1 April 1930, Page 7

COAL CRISIS

MINERS NOT WEAKENING. CONFERENCE TO-MORROW. OWNERS AND WORKERS. (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received April 1, 9.25 a.m. SYDNEY, April 1. The coalminers’ convention issued a statement to-day to the effect that there were no signs of the miners weakening, but mass meetings were being lielcl next week to ascertain whether the rank and file were prepared to return to work at the November compromise terms. The mine owners have dropped the hint that they are not likely to tolerate much more dallying by the miners’ officials. A conference is being held at Sydney on Wednesday between the enginedrivers’ officials and the mine owners concerning the rates of pay for a complete resumption at all the northern collieries. ROYAL COMMISSION’S REPORT. SYDNEY, March 31. The Royal Commission which inquired into the coal industry last year has furnished its report to the Premier, Mr T. R. Bavin. Tho report recommends that there should be a more ready method of settling disputes than now exists, preferably by a board consisting of three equipped with extensive powers, having security of tenure, in order to enable it to develop and give effect to a definite policy, and paid for by a fund from levies on all coal raised. This board should have power to fix the selling price of coal, also the miners’ rates of pay and hours. If possible, it should institute schemes of prosperity sharing, and also act as a conciliation or arbitration tribunal*- with power to appoint committees to hear and determine disputes, impose fines, and to decide what mines, if any, should be closed. It is also suggested that tho board should be empowered to license employees in the coal industry, and withdraw licenses for any just cause, and should a strike or lock-out occur, declare who is responsible, and what measures should be adopted for the engagement of fresh labour.