N.S.W. Coal Strike Threat

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 183, 5 August 1938, Page 7

N.S.W. Coal Strike Threat

Vital Conference Opens GOVERNMENT CLOSELY WATCHING POSITION United Press Association. —By Electrlo Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Thursday, 11.15 p.m. SYDNEY, August 4. The Miners’ Federation delegates opened tho convention in Sydney to-day to determine whether there will be a general strike in tho coal industry and aiming at shorter hours, pensions and improved safety conditions. A memorial ceremony for the 73 men killed in the in the eastern States during the past year preceded the opening of the convention, the delegates standing with bowed heads during a minute’s silcucc. The majority of the mines in Australia were idle to-day, with a similar observance at the pitheads. Only ono of 12 collieries at Cessnock, in the Northern coalfields, worked to-day. Delegates from all the States and New Zealand are attending the convention, the proceedings being held in camera. In the Legislative Assembly Premier Stevens, replying to Mr. Davies, who represents the South Coast coalmining constituency, says the coal dispute was receiving tho consideration of the Government and the Minister concerned was ascertaining the points at issue. If the occasion demanded action by the Government this would bo dictated by what it considered would be in the best interests of both parties and the State. A meeting of unions with members employed in the coal mines decided to inako common cause with the miners in the event of a stoppage.