COAL MINING INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20991, 2 April 1930, Page 9

COAL MINING INDUSTRY

NEW SOUTH WALES PITS. REPORT OF COMMISSION. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY. April 1. Upon the question of the fixation of coal prices the Royal Commission pointed out that drastic retorm in this direction was imperative im ng to the increasing desire by the public to protect their own interests. The high price of coal and the disturbed conditions in this industry were interfering with national efficiency, and it was necessary that the Government should assume suitable means of control. The new objective must be not merly to eliminate over-capacity and overmanning, but also to stimulate the market by lowering, costs. One step in' this direction would be by reducing the ratio between the earnings of the more highly paid employees and those paid on daily rates, and by making the wages of all mine workers conform more closely to those of the workers of the same degree of skill in other industries. THE MINERS’ CONVENTION. A STATEMENT ISSUED. SYDNEY, April 1. The Coal Miners’ Convention has issued a statement that there arc no signs of the miners weakening, hut mass meetings are being held next week to ascertain whether the rank and file are prepared to return to work at the November compromise terms. The mine owners have dropped a hint that they are not likely to tolerate much more dallying by the miners’ oilicials. A conference is being held in Sydney on Wednesday between the engine drivers’ officials and the mine owners concerning rates of pay for complete resumption at all the northern collieries.