COAL HOLD-UP

Northern Advocate, 11 June 1929, Page 5

COAL HOLD-UP

ALL RESERVES EXHAUSTED GAS SUPPLY VANISHING. Inquiry into situation. (Australian Press Association.) (Received 9 a .an.) SYDNEY, June 10. The"community is at last beginning to feel the effects of the coal hold-np. The largest metropolitan gas company announces restriction on the supply urging consumers to use 10 per cent, less gas for cooking. Tho company is forthwith cutting ofl gas between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

, This will affect half a million people immediately. Restaurants are alretn.y radically revising their menus. The Government has appointed an emergency Gas Board, similar to that during the 19.17 strike. The Government gives an assurance that the police force is adequate for the preservation of order, although feeling is tense on the northern coalfields. 1 Mr C. MacDonald, chairman of the Northern 'Collieries’ Association, interviewed, admitted that the position was extremely serious for gas users. If the safety men .were withdrawn, together With the drivers from the western and southern pits, the coal supplies of the State would immediately cease. He added that all reserves were by now exhausted. The Coal Commission intends, before hearing evidence, to inspect the pits. Counsel for the owners is urging that the Whole evidence be taken in camera, and this point is now under consideration. Mr J. H. Browne, counsel for the miners, appealed for re-opening of the mines an the old, conditions before the i investigation commences. This aspect is to he placed before the mine-owners and the Government.

"ALL OUT" STRIKE,

IMMINENT MENACE

OTHER INDUSTRIE'S. INVOLVED. (Australian Press Association.) • (Received 11.26 a.m.) SYDNEY,. This Day. It is.feared that a coal strike throughout the state will occur on Pri<jay. . The engine drivers, and . firemen need give only .24 hours’ notice, and Mr Atkins, the union secretary, is confident thai at tomorrow’s meeting the State Council will endorse the "all out" policy, •A general strike would close down the steel works at Newcastle within a very short period, throwing 10,000 men out tff employment. RESUMPTION TERMS. •Dictated by unions.. ACCEPTANCE IMPROBABLE. (Australian Press Association.) (Received 11.50 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. At the Coal Commission inquiry, Mr Browne, -E.C., representing the mining unions, stated: "The miners are pre-pared-to return to work under the conditions prevailing previous to cessation. If pit wages and costs are higher than claimed by the unions, wo will submit to whatever adjustment of wages is considered necessary." it is improbable that -the coal owners will agree- to a resumption of work on pre-existing rates of pay.