THE MINERS' STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9143, 27 August 1888, Page 5

THE MINERS' STRIKE.

(press ASSOCIATION.]

Newcastle, August 25. The report that the coal mine proprietors had sent to England for 3000 men to take the places of those on strike is denied. Sydney, August 25. The Trade and Labour Councils of Melbourne and Adelaide have decided to assist the miners on strike. The strike of the coal miners is expected to last from three to five months. At Newcastle four hundred wharf hands have been paid oil" in consequence of the strike. . A partial paralysis of trade has already been experienced. The tonnage awaiting coal at Newcastle amounts to 70,000 tons. It is believed that another result of the miners' strike will be the laying up of one-third of the coastal shipping, and the throwing of 700 seamen out of employment. Melbourne, August 25. The Gas Company, in anticipation of a scarcity of coal, have reduced the gas pressure by one-half. HOW THE STRIKE WILL AFFECT AUCKLAND. In order to ascertain how the strike at the Newcastle coal mines is likely to affect Auckland a Herald reporter on Saturday interviewed a number of the principal coal merchants and owners to learn their views. The general impression gathered is that the local trade in local coal will only be affected so far that there will be an increased demand for the local coals, but that it is improbable that the price will be advanced. Mr. Oillillau, secretary of the Bay of of Islands Coal Company, informs us that matters aie going on as usual in their mine, and there was not likely to be any change. The demand amongst their regular customers was quite equal to their supply, which cannot be increased at present, and no increase in the price is at present contemplated. Their output at present is 2000 to 2500 tons per month, and they cannot increase on this amount, therefore their trade will not in any way be affected by the strike. Mr. Barber, secretary of the Miranda Coal and Iron Company, says the only effect it will have on the company will be to increase the demand for their coal, which, he is glad to say, is greatly improved in quality, and coming into greater demand ; but they were not going to take any large orders at present till they saw how matters went. Their output was now increasing, and during last month they supplied 300 tons to the Gas Company, as the coal, being almost free from sulphur, is adapted for making gas, and appears to have given satisfaction. They could, of course, largely increase their output, and lie looked to an improvement in the local trade, but he fears that a difficulty will arise in getting the coal to Auckland, owing to the blocking of the railway. If that is met, there will be an ample supply for the local trade, which must increase, as those who have hitherto burnt Newcastle coal will have to use the local product. Mr. Franz Scherff, secretary of the Taupiri Extended Coal Company, says that the only effect the strike will have will be that people will be forced to use Waikato coal who have hitherto used Newcastle coal. They were in a position to double their present output of 120 tons a day, but their great difficulty would be in regard to transit, as the number of empty trucks was now insufficient; but Mr. Hudson, manager of the railway, assured him that should any great demand arise ho will meet it by running trains constantly night and day. The price of the local coal will not be affected, nor is it likely that a foreign market for it will be opened, as he thinks all the coal they can procure will be required for the local market, and steamers which will coal here.

Several other gentlemen who were interviewed made statements to the same effect as those which we have quoted. Of course the price of Newcastle coals is at once affected in Auckland, and the supply of 1000 tons received by the s.s. Bucephalus a few days ago is a welcome relief to dealers, for the price has already been advanced in Auckland 10s per ton, while an advance of Is (id per ton has been made in Greymouth coal. There is a further cargo on the way from Newcastle, the brigantine Parnell having sailed for Auckland with a cargo of 400 tons, and a telegram was received from Newcastle stating that the brigantine Lady Mabel would also get her cargo, but they would have to pay a little dearer for it, and the Linda Weber is conveying a cargo to the Thames.