NEWCASTLE STRIKE

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13601, 21 November 1907, Page 5

NEWCASTLE STRIKE

- SETTLEMENT IN SIGHT. .

MINERS ACCEPT THE PREMIER'S PROPOSALS. /

• COST OF THE STRIKE. > " By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. Sydney, November 20. Yesterday's negotiations resulted in a slight modification of Mr. Wade's original proposals. ;':;" Though special confirmation is required by both parties there is a probability that work will be resumed almost immediately. The president of the Miners' Federation stated that if the proprietors agree to the proposals he would be prepared to recommend their acceptance by the miners. Ii is expected that work will be resumed on Monday, but some pits may start on Thursday. The Premier (Mr. Wade) stated lata last night that.it seemed to him that a fair and honourable compromise had been reached which there should be no difficulty in either side's accepting. He could not help feeling, from, the general tenor of the negotiations, that they were very close to a settlement. Advices from Newcastle show ; that , instructions have been issued at the different pits to be in readiness to resume work. This is taken as an additional indication that a settlement is in sight, and that the proprietors' meeting will to-day accept the proposed basis of settlement.

(Received, November 20, 10.23 p.m.)

Sydney, November 20.

The strike position is unchanged. The proprietors' meeting has been postponed till to-morrow. Meantime the mines still remain idle. ''"''■■' ',' "■" '-';'.

a (Received November 21, 0.15 a.m.)

Sydney, November 20.

The Miners' Committee of Management have accepted the' Premier's proposals and advised the miners' lodges to do likewise. Special meetings ol the lodges are being held to-night, and it is anticipated that they are certain to adopt the committee's advice.- .■■''.-':'•■

The chairman of the committee said tonight that they could have called out the southern and western miners, as well as trades allied with the coal trade, if it had been necessary, but they had not asked one member of these associations to strike.

It is estimated that the fortnight's strike has cost Newcastle £265,000, including £50,000 in miners' wages.

STATEMENT IN THE HOUSE.

NEW ZEALAND SUPPLIES. [BY telegbaph.—special cobbespondent.] Wellington, Wednesday. I The Premier states that he lias observed the condition of affairs regarding the coal trade in the Australian Commonwealth, but thinks the steps that are being taken to further develop the State coal mines at Point Elizabeth and Seddonville' will provide the necessary increased production. of coal to meet requirements. Considerable expenditure will shortly be incurred in extending the Greymouth-Point Elizabeth railway, in order to provide transit. from a portion of the area held by the Crown that has been proved to contain a large' supply of coal of the best quality, and when the seams in that locality have., been fully opened up, he anticipates that the output from the Point Elizabeth mine*, will be very largely increased. ■