AUSTRALIAN LABOUR TROUBLES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17635, 27 May 1919, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN LABOUR TROUBLES.

SHORTAGE OF COAL THREATENED. INDUSTRIES ALREADY AFFECTED. Press Association—By Tekgiaph—Copyright. SYDNEY, May 26. Unless there is a quick settlement of thq shipping strike tho coal position in all Australian ports and elsewhere will be very serious: Ajready the' shortage is being severely felt, and by the middle of next week, failing relief, the result must be tho closing down of many industries and the idling of thousands of employees. Up to Saturday it was estimated that 4000 wore directly or indirectly involved in the strike in Melbourne. Meantime vast quantities of cargo are piling up on the wnarves at various ports awaiting shipment. THE MELBOURNE WHARVES. ARRANGING FOR LOYALIST LUMPERS. MELBOURNE, May 26. Arrangements were completed for the loyalists to resume work on the wharves to-day, when serious conflict with the strikers is anticipated. WAGES AT BROKEN HILL. A REVIEW PROMISED. SYDNEY, May 26. The Broken Hill mine managers refused the miners' demands, but will later review the rates of wages in the light of the cost of living. SYDNEY EXPECTATIONS. MEN NOT UNANIMOUS. SYDNEY, May 26. (Received May 26, at 11.50 p.m.) Both sides in the shipping dispute are awaiting the result of the compulsory conference, but no decision is expected today. Trades Hall officials anticipate an early settlement, as the decision to strike was not unanimous, and the majority of the men would welcome an early resumption of work. Prices of foodstuffs are soaring. COMPULSORY CONFERENCE ADJOURNED. \ EARLY SETTLEMENT EXPECTED. MELBOURNE, May 26. (Received May 27, at 0.30 a.m.) _The compulsory conference on the snipping dispute has adjourned till Thursday An amicable feeling prevailed, and it is confidently anticipated that an earlv settlement will result.