VILIAN PROTESTS SUGGESTED.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13857, 18 April 1917, Page 3

VILIAN PROTESTS SUGGESTED.

MASS MEETINGS PROPOSED.

(Per Press Association;')*' _ NAPIER,, April 17." Th» Hastings Chamber of Commerce right, discussing the seriousness of 3 industrial unrest at present maniiting itself in the coal-mining discts of New Zealand, passed the folving resolution:—"That this chamr suggests that mass meetings be held all centres to give expression to blic opinion on the action of the men lOTting to the strike weapon .during 3 crisis and the war for democracy d individual liberty, and. feels conent that the better sense of the jple of the Dominion, expressed at >h mass meetings, will lead tlie ikers to realise the seriousness of sir action and persuade them to -rein to work.

jHECKING SPREAD OF STRIKE. (BENGAL INDUSTRIES DEFINE!)

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 17. b Order-in-Couneil has been gazet--1 declaring the following to be esitial industries:— Carriage of goods by land or sea. jading and inlading ships. ■Vozen meat industry. 'ersons acting in a manner to intere with these services are liable to a ■ of £IOO or twelve months' iinaonment.

.MINISTERIAL STATEMENT. CURTAILMENT OF SERVICES. (Per Prsii Aiioointlon.) WELLINGTON, April 17. he Minister of Railways made a ement this evening, stating that conlent upon the shortage of coal, the 'eminent considers the time lias ar■J when it is imperative to curtail transport facilities, Although the artment has fair stocks of coal, it j not been able to build up reserves, drastic curtailment is now needed, lout waiting for the staff-saving ■Hie to have been inaugurated in the iuning of May. I*olll Monday next the coal-saving ice begins. Goods trains 'will be ted strictly to essential goods,, perbles and fodder. Builders' material, cement, vehicles, minerals, except and coke will not be carried, / It esirabl? that those away from home Id rgtjl'n by Saturday. iTECT ON FEBBY SEBVICE. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, AP"I 11 ■ consequence of the coal strike, the iroa has beCn withdrawn from the elton/Wellington". service, and until (tiling definite is. reached will rei here. Her place in the ferry serwill be taken this evening, by anr vessel. It is expected that the ce wijl be further curtailed if the :e continues,