N.S. WALES COLLIERIES

Otago Witness, Issue 3215, 27 October 1915, Page 23

N.S. WALES COLLIERIES

SYDNEY, October 19. The Maitland miners’ meeting decided to give 14 days’ notice of a strike. The men contend that if the price of coal is raised 12s a ton they should be granted an increase of 6d per ton in the hewing rate instead of 3d. For years the hewing rate has been reckoned on a 10s selling basis, though coal is actually selling et lls per ton. The men claim that they have long been underpaid, and that a rise to 12s per ton should be equivalent to a 2s rise in the hewing rate. October 20. The wheelers at Hepburn and Pelaw Main collieries have struck, demanding payment at the new Newcastle rate. ’ The Newcastle and Maitland miners’ delegates are approaching the employers for a conference. They have stated that they have no desire to strike. October 22. The miners who struck at the Hebburn and Pelaw Main collieries have resumed work. The New South Wales Government is negotiating for the purchase of the Blacklieath and Abermain collieries for the purpose of State coal mines. October 25. The coaling steamers were brought to a gudden standstill to-day, as the result of a mass meeting of the Coal Lumpers’ TJnion deciding to make certain demands upon the employers, who were given till io-morrow afternoon to reply. In the

1 meantime the men will not resume work. The vessels hung up include some transports. It is understood that the men demand 2s per hour for day work, and 3s overtime, the latter to commence at 6 p.m.