THE COAL CRISIS.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13856, 17 April 1917, Page 3

THE COAL CRISIS.

VISIT OP MINISTERS TO WESTPORT. SECRET BALLOT PROPOSED. (Per Freaa Aniooistion.l ' WESTPORT, April 15. Sir James Allen and Mr Mac Donald are to-day visiting the colliery .townships of Dcnniston, Gravity, and Ngapaan in connection with the minorp' strike. l WESTPORT, April IC. The Acting Premier nsd the Minister of Mines, addressed the mincis at Mil lerton, Stockton and Denniston to day, putting,,it is understood, the position plainly beforo them. The press was not admitted. The Ministers, returned to. Westport this evening,'arid leave on a visit to Greymouth in tho morning. It is intended to take," on-Thursday, ?. secret ballot of .miners in the Buller district'oh the question of resuming work, • ' . ..

ALLEGED SEDITIOUS ACTS. ■ RUNANGA VISITOR ARRESTED'. (Per press Association,) DUNEDIN, April 16. Albert Coleman, a visitor from Runanga., was arrested at Fairfield tonight on a charge of inciting to seditious strike. ■'lt is-stated that Coleman had. been visiting Nightcaps and other Southland, and Otago mining centres, and addressing the men in terms' involving a breach of the War Regulations.

FURTHER STRIKES REPORTED. NORTHERN MEN COME OUT. (Per Press Association.) • AUCKLAND, April 16. ■ Information was received in Auckland to-night that the coalminers employed at Waipj collieries, near Ngaruawehia, went out on strike this morning, There are between 150 and 200 in the employ of the company. The men employed by the Taupiri mines and by Pukeiniro collieries held an important mooting to-night, the result of which has not yet transpired. It is expected, however, that the men working in this group of mines' at Huntly, may go out on strike to-morrow. The Taupiri Company employs over 350 and the Pukeiniro from ISO to 200 men, So far as can be ascertained, the men concerned have not given any reason for their action. The only explanation that can be assigned to them, is their opposition to conscription. It is hoped further trouble may be averted by the early settlement of the strike at the West Coast mines, by the Acting-Prime Minister a:ul the Hon, W. D, S, Mac Donald. r : • -i EFFECT ON TRAIN SERVICES. TOTHEE,. CURTAILMENT LIKELY (Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 16. Regarding the reduced train services commencing May 6th, it is now stated that'unless the coalminers resume, much greater reductions will be necessary, of which possibly a week's notice will begiven, ' The goods trains were not to. be reduced, but if a further cut is made, this will be done. Efforts will be made to carry essentials and other goods may sometimes be declined. . There will be no delay in reference to the time-table for such change, because'all arrangements were made'at Christmas time when a strike was thought probable. V 'J