THE MINERS' STRIKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9145, 29 August 1888, Page 5

THE MINERS' STRIKE.

EMPLOYMENT OP NAVVIES. LEGISLATIVE ACTION. THE EFFECT OF THE STRIKE IN MELBOURNE. DISCHARGE OF WORKMEN. THE ACTION OF THE TRADES UNIONS. [PEESS ASSOCIATION.] Newcastle, August 28. The proprietors of the West Wallsend Coal Mine have engaged a number of navvi(3s to open up the mine. They argue that work of this nature is not actual mining, and contend that should any opposition be shown those on strike, it is the duty of the Government to afford protection to the men working Messrs. Melville and Walker, members representing the district of Northumberland in the Legislative Assembly, express their intention of agitating in favour of adding a new clause to the Mining Act now in operation, providing that unless the mines are constantly worked the leases be cancelled. Melbourne, August 28. The building trade is seriously affected by the miners' strike. Bricks have advanced six shillings per 1000, and many contractors will be ruined if compelled to complete their engagements at the increased prices. Every day vessels are being laid up, and crews paid off. The strike is also affecting foundries, the proprietors of which are discharging many hands. Queensland coal is selling at an advance of 29s per ton. Adelaide, August 28. The majority of the Trades Unions are against the action taken by the Newcastle miners, and the question of forwarding funds to their assistance has not yet been settled. Dxjnedik, Tuesday. Local coal dealers have raised the price of all seaborne coals 5s per ton.

In regard to the threatened coal famine in Australia resulting from the strike of the miners at Newcastle, further information supplied by those interested in the local coal trade seems to warrant the belief that for a couple of months at least no appreciable scarcity of coal for household and steam purposes will occur in Auckland. In addition to the list of mines in the colony referred to previously the Waikato Coal Company, whose pits are situated at Huntly, is one of the chief suppliers of the local market, the output being about 1400 tons per month, which could, if an increased demand springs up, be easily doubled. It is at the same time considered that no great surplus would be available for export to the other colonies, though moderate orders would doubtless be executed. We understand that the Kamo Colliery Company have undertaken to supply 3000 tons to the order of Captain H. M. Hayward for the use of the Oceanic Steamship Company's mail steamer ; while another firm has accepted an order from Melbourne for IOOQ tons, though the question of freight may yet interfere with the transaction being carried to a successful issue. The Auckland Gas Company, who were the largest consumers of imported coal, although feeling the want of their accustomed supplies from Newcastle, have made arrangements by which the period of strike will be safely tided over without any diminution or deterioration to the city gas supply. The best New Zealand coal for gas-majdng purposes is that from the Greymouth mines, and regular shipments are to be made from there to Auckland ; while shale, of which the schooner Christine brought in 100 tons yesterday, will be used to enrich the coal when necessary. The Gas Company have a slight reserve stock of Newcastle coal in hand, as they secured the 1000 tons brought over by the Bucephalus, while 450 tons extra are en route by the brigantine Parnell. The Union S.S. Co. will draw the bulk of their supplies from the Westport mines, while the other steamship companies will use Whangarei, Waikato, or Bay coal. Altogether, Auckland at least seems fairly independent of any stoppage of supplies from the great New South Wales coal emporium.