FIFTEEN MONTHS’ IDLENESS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 28 May 1930, Page 5

FIFTEEN MONTHS’ IDLENESS

EMPLOYMENT EOU TEN THOUS= AND MEN (United Proßß Association—By EleotriO TeSegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY, 27th May. Between thirty and forty northern collieries re-open to-morrow, and at least 8000 miners will be re-employed after 15 months’ idleness. Additional pits are bein'; prepared to recommence operations within two weeks. It is expected that about 10,000 miners will be at work when all minor differences now engaging attention are straightened out. Hundreds of men, however, will not be absorbed. For these the Federal Government will attempt to find other employment. Now that the grim struggle is over business people on the coalfields express the opinion that the lesson, though cost ly, will be a blessing in disguise. 'The Premier informed the miners’ officials that the Government was unwilling to release imprisoned rioters, but in regard to those convicted of minor offences each case would bo reconsidered on its merits.

Cabinet is now considering when freight concessions can he made upon the railways in order to assist to win back tiie lost coal trade. It is believed that Is 6d reduction will be allowed on coal for local use, and 2s a ton upon export coal.