THE LABOUR DISPUTE IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1917, 17 August 1888, Page 9

THE LABOUR DISPUTE IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

THREATENED STRIKE OF MINERS. (Per Press Association.) Sydney, August 12. The miners at Newcastle have been unable to come to terms with the managers, and have given notice that after 14 days from Monday they will go out on strike. The Maritime Labour Council and affiliated bodiea have resolved to take a voie^pf members as to whether it is advisable that there should be a general strike throughout the colonies re the Northern Steamship question. There is no sign whatever of the miners' difficulty being settled, and the outlook for the trade is gloomy. The Maritime Labour Council has fixed September 12 as the date when all vessels employing Asiatics must replace them with European crews, otherwise the council will pursue similar tacics to those adopted in the case of the mail steamer Mariposa. August 13. . Should the threatened strike of miners take place 5300 men will be thrown out of work. Vessels representing 80,000 tons are at Newcastle awaiting cargoes of coal. It is anticipated that if the Maritime Labour Council support the colliers in their dispute against the masters the strike will extend over a lengthy period, and will result in the demands of the men being conceded. The. miners in the .Western and Southern

districts will in all ...probability . not? go out on strike; but will, financially assist those who do. ; The Chamber of . Commerce , is endeavouring " to mediate between the men and employers. The railway trains and city trams draw their supplies of coal from Lithgow, consequently , they will not be seriously affected by the strike. The gas company is anxious as to the result of the strikje, and the management are taking steps to secure as much coal as possible before the men go out. Melbourne, August 13. •_ There is great consternation in the city afc the threatened miners' strike at Newcastle, as there is only about a week's snpply of coal in Melbourne. Inquiries are being made with a view of obtaining supplies of coal from New Zealand. • Newcastle, August 10. The employes at several of the principal mines have voted in favour of going out on strike, but the final result of the voting will not be known till to-morrow. The masters have suggested another conference with, the men to take place to-morrow morning. August 14. There are 4G foreign vessels in port awaiting cargoes of coal, but the miners have intimated that they will only be able to coal 20 • vessels before the time expires for their going out on strike. Adelaide, Augnst 14. If the Newcastle, miners go out on strike trade here will be paralysed, as there are no available coal supplies on hand.