COAL CRISIS

Northern Advocate, 15 November 1929, Page 5

COAL CRISIS

THE ONLY SOLUTION .WAGES DROP OF ONE SHILLING chairman »s convictions.

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received 8.13 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day.

Mr. Charles Hibble, chairman of the Compulsory Coal Conference, reporting on the failure of the negotiations yesterday, declared the only solution was acceptance by the men of one shilling per ton reduction in wages based on costs collectively spread over the whole of the contracts and “offhand” employees, the actual incidence of which was a matter for the parties. He added: “It is quite impossible for the mines to function further under present conditions without a substantial and tangible reduction in the selling price of coal.

“I am convinced this is really the

only way out. The coal owners are willing to forego one shilling per ton, while ‘the State Government is prepared to bear two shillings for haulage.

“I hope the men will resume shortly and that a greatly increased Volume of trade, occasioned by price reduction, will be of advantage to all concerned.'’

STATE INTERVENES,

THREE COLLIERIES TO OPEN

NEGOTIATIONS FOR OTHERS,

VOLUNTEER LABOUR

(Received 11.12 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day,

The Coal Conference having failed to reach an agreement it is now the intention of the State Government to take over three collieries in the Maitland district, to win coal for essential services. It is estimated that coal from these collieries will he sold at about 21/6 per ton.

Negotiations are in progress for the taking over by the Government of several other mines.

1 Mr. Hobble, chairman of the conference, stated: ‘‘Were I enabled to sit judicially, my judgment would be that the mining unions should accept a reduction of one shilling per ton.” The three collieries to be opened are; Cessnock, Peltor and Rothbnry. The Government is confident that there will be no lack of volunteers. All preparations have been made to give them protection.