THE COAL DIFFICULTY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1264, 21 May 1896, Page 34

THE COAL DIFFICULTY.

The following telegrams liavo boon received from New South Wales:— The miners are jubilant at the success of tho negotiations leading to the opening of tho New Lambton and Dudley mines. in the Legislative Assembly, Mr Haynes gave notice of a motion that the House vote a sum of .£50,000 for the purpose of securing to the miners proprietorial rights in one or more mines, as a means of preventing disputes. Air Haynes had previously written to the Premier suggesting the purchase of a mine right out for the miners, or the investment of money on their behalf in going concerns. Tho Premier replied that be would remain neutral, but would give every facility for tho discussion of tho motion. As a result of tho conference between the miners and owners in tho southern coal district, the latter have decided to grant the men a fourth of the extra profits accruing from the increased domain! for coal, consequent on tho Newcastle strike. New Zealand is profiting by Newcastle’s misfortune, if a letter received hero can bo trusted. In the communication the writers slate that the demand for Westport coal is so brisk that they havo had to suspend foreign shipments for a month or two.

Tho Bulli miners havo adopted tho Dele-

gate Board’s recommendation to accept one-fourth of the additional profits above the present selling price of coal. Practically all the southern district lodges have now adopted the proposal. An important meeting of mine-owners passed a unanimous resolution in connection with the strike, the nature of which has not been allowed to transpire. Tho opinion is expressed that the miners will be very fortunate if they get back on the old terms, the feeling being that wages will decrease after tho strike.