COAL MINERS TO RESUME WORK

Southland Times, Issue 23633, 7 October 1938, Page 5

COAL MINERS TO RESUME WORK

N.S.W. GOVERNMENT TO MAKE INQUIRY PENSIONS AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received October 6, 9.10 pan.) SYDNEY, October 6. The Minister of Labour (Mr A. Mair) announced in the Legislative Assembly this afternoon that the coal strike was settled, the New South Wales Government having agreed to conduct a full inquiry into pensions and workers’ compensation. An early resumption of work is expected. The Minister indicated that he was unable to disclose the full nature of the settlement,, as the miners would have to hold an aggregate meeting to ratify the conditions. He was confident, however, that the majority of the mines would be in operation next week. Mr Mair said the Government was impressed by special features of the miners’ claims, notably pensions and compensation. These aspects, would be fully investigated, along with safety and health measures. Four loud explosions occurred late last night in tile vicinity of the Rothbury estate, where small coal mines are being worked with free labour. The explosions'were of such force that they rattled buildings in the town of Branxton, two miles away, and were heard eight miles off at Cessnock. Early this morning the police discovered that the railway line leading from the Rothbury colliery had been blown up in four places.