AUSTRALIAN COAL DISPUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15820, 18 January 1915, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN COAL DISPUTE.

THE AFTERNOON SHIFT.

ANOTHER DEADLOCK.

By Telegraph—Press Association Copyright

Stdnxy, January 16. The present indications are that the prospects of the recent conference of the Northern Colliery proprietors and the Miners' Federation resulting in a settlement of the afternoon shift trouble are not bright*

The miners' executive is approaching the proprietors with a view of securing a further conference. It appears that another deadlock is approaching. The men are determined to secure the abolition of the afternoon shift, and the proprietors are unanimous in insisting upon its continuance. The western mines are suffering from a lack of work, and many men we being dismissed.

The South Coast Miners' Delegate Board is considering the position in regard to the south coast mines. It is stated that no definite terms of settlement have been offered. The conference in regard to snrface-hand? has been fixed for January 22- The ronierrrice will not meet if any mines are idle owing to industrial troubles. It has be?!! decided that in future all grievance? must he placed in the hands of the executive before drastic action is taken.

■The Kurriknni miner- have refused the employers' offer of increased pay for the fcftenoon shift.

the Newcastle. Chamber of Commerce is petitioning the Minister for Customs for the removal of the embargo on the exportation of coal to foreign porta. Failing this, the cbHiuhei- asks to have a definite announcement, regarding the markets to ■Rhich coal may be sent. The chamber Points out ".at at present the uncertainty 38 causing uv.vh delay and injury to trade.