MINING HOLD-UP

Northern Advocate, 16 November 1929, Page 9

MINING HOLD-UP

STATE CONTROL ISSUE UNIONS IN A QUANDARY. VITAL WEEK-END CONFERENCE,

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received 9 a.nv.) SYDNEY, This Day. A climax has almost been reached in the coal hold-up in New South Wales. The State Government’s intention to take over several Maitland pits and work them on a basis of slightly reduced wages is causing the mining unions the utmost concern, as they realise that there will be an appeal for voluntary labour if the unionist hold aloof. A meeting of the Mining Unions’ Executive was held yesterday, at which there was talk of a general strike ii the Government insisted on a wage reduction. It was eventually decided to awaii the result of the conference to he held at the week-end between the Federal Treasurer (Mr E. G. Theodore), the Federal Attorney-General (Mr F. Bren nan), the Federal Assistant Minister o’ Industries( Mr ,T. A. Beasley) and th> miners’ officials. The State Premier (Mr T. R. Bavin announced in the Assembly last nigh that the Government had made up itmind about the whole matter, bo: would delay action until after th ■ week-end conference.

OPEN APPLICATIONS. SHILLING PER TON “CUT.” SELLING PRICE LOWERED. (Received 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The State Government officially announced that applications would he invited, immediately from men ‘.prepared to accept work .at the mines taken over by the Government. The rates offered provide one shil ling per. ton' reduction on present wages. The cost of coal to be sold by tb Government will ho approximately four shillings below present prices. The Bothbury mine will be opened probably .on Wednesday next and tht Cesshock mine a. few days later. The secretary of the Miners’ Federation, Mr Davies, stated definitely that the miners would not bo prepared t-> resume work at reduced wages.