Australian Industrial Crisis Is Developing

Northern Advocate, 26 June 1946, Page 5

Australian Industrial Crisis Is Developing

(Received 1 p.m.)

SYDNEY, This Day.

AN Australian industrial crisis is gradually developing as it becomes apparent that strikes are defeating any effort to avert stoppages by restricting power.

Tonight Queensland will declare a state of emergency and drastic restriction in the use of electricity and gas will come into effect.

Complete cessation of Queensland industries other than those engaged in processing of foodstuffs may result.

Under the proclamation, all electric lighting and power will be prohibited in factories, stores, cafes, restaurants, banks and offices except those factories engaged in the processing and preservation of foodstuffs.

Tram services will be cut by half and there will be no night trams after 7.30 o’clock.

HAND-TO-MOUTH

The Bunnerong power house, supplying Sydney's industrial, commercial and domestic electric power, had only enough coal last night to keep going until late this morning.

Five coal trains were on their way from Newcastle, however, and later today Sydney should have enough coal on hand for another 24 hours.

Sydney tramwaymen, who yesterday had a conference with transport officials now say that it is unlikely that they will strike. They consider that they should be paid for all time lost by curtailment of services. SPREADS TO SYDNEY The Queensland watersiders’ strike, which is in sympathy with the illegal meat strike, spread to Sydney yesterday when Brisbane cargo in two ships was declared black. The ships Port Melbourne and Canberra are affected because unionists here allege that non-union labour was used to load the vessels in Brisbane. Watersiders are quite prepared to load cargo for other ports. Meanwhile, Sydney saved another 250 tons of coal yesterday, but strikes and breakdowns on the northern and southern fields lost 8440 tons. All New South Wales coast mines may be idle on Monday with the loss of 8000 tons due to a dispute concerning tlie treatment of miners suffering from dust in the lungs. POSITION IN VICTORIA A large section of the Victorian industry is closing today because of the coal shortage

Clothing mills have so far laid oil 1000 employees and many more will be idle today. Melbourne, which has had strict power rationing for some weeks, has received relief from gas restrictions. Two suggestions in Sydney offer long-term solutions to the problem.

Senator Ashley suggests shifting the city power points to the coalfields, so that they need not be dependent on supply by rail and sea.

The Minister of Mines (Mr Baddeley) has announced plans to produce 3,500,000 tons of coal yearly from new State-owned mines. The first group of these mines, situated 20 miles from Newcastle and 85 from Sydney, is expected to start producing by Christmas. They will all be fully machanised.