THE COAL STRIKE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLI, Issue 9514, 23 November 1916, Page 5

THE COAL STRIKE

MINERS' BALLOT CANCELLED

WORK NOT TO BE RESUMED.

Bv Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrighl SYDNEY, November 22. The Miners’ Federation cancelled tho arrangements for the ballot amongst tho Northern miners owing to the hos. tility of the men. A meeting of the Southern miners decided, amidst groat enthusiasm, not to take a ballot, and expressed determination not to resume work until all tho demands arc granted. Twelve hundred men, were paid off at Walsh Island Government works, involving a loss in wages of £SCOO weeklyThere is sufficient coal to supply light to the city for a fortnight only. It is anticipated, that before the end of tho week the whole of the brick works will cease operations. DISLOCATION OF COMMERCE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright SYDNEY, November 22. The deadlock cveatodiby the miners’ refusal to take a ballot !s regarded as a moat serious development. The whole of the commercial and domestic facilities aro threatened with WonThe mine-owners meet to-day to consider tho situation;- and the next Goveminent move is anxiously awaited/ FEDERAL CABINET AND CRISIS COAL FOR NATIONAL INDUS-' TRIES ONLY. By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright (Received November 22, 9.15 p.m.) SYDNEY, November 22. The Federal Cabinet has discussed the coal crisis. It is expected the Government will take action, under the War Precautions Act, and limit the use of coal to national judustriot only. , , The miners’ delegate has wired V) Mr Hughes that the men who have refused to take a. ballot,havo faithfully represented their proposals to the proprietors’ representatives, who telegraphed tire result of their meeting, pointing out that "if* the miners were prepared for resumption.' of work, as arranged by their renewed, offer, the proprietors would offer to agree to the eight-hours’ bank-to-bank principle, as defined by_ tho English Coal Mining Act, but could not agree to all hands commencing and finishing toaether, which would seriously cnpplo the industry. Nevertheless, they were prepared to abide by the decision of a competent tribunal. Mr Hughes' has summoned a iurthor compulsory conference for Frid«y- ~' ''' ” GLOOMY forebodings “GRIM MENAGE OP FAMINE.” By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrlcht (Received November 22, 9.15 p.m.) SYDNEY. November 22. The depressing .effect of the coal strike increases /daily. Yesterday i fiasco is causing tho gloonikßt forebodings. Tho evening papers “deal with the position under startling headlines, such as: “Chaos Threatens Australia,” “Grim Menace of Famine”.: and. forecast the stoppage of trains, which would mean that food supplies would bo exhausted in ten days. There is a general feeling that the miners will not resume until their demands have been granted. They apparently mistrust the possibility of obtaining redress from legal tribunals. The mine-owners have suspended all preparations for tbe resumption of work, and havo . withdrawn the pit horses.

Tho gas restrictions vary daily. .The board now prohibits the Uso of gas for lighting, heating and - cooking in -hotels. restaurants, and shops, . and for nil trading . and: business purposes. Many prosecutions,for contravention of the regulations are contemplated. - SOUTH WALES MINERS SERIOUS TROURLE BREWING. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Published in "The Tiznoe.” ■ .. LONDON, November’ 21. The .South, Wales correspondent ot “The Times” states that far-reaching mining troiible is browing. The miners • aro dissatisfied at the, non-settlement of long-standing grievances.