CRISIS IN COAL INDUSTRY

Taranaki Daily News, 29 January 1929, Page 11

CRISIS IN COAL INDUSTRY

MATTER ENTIRELY DOMESTIC

FEDERAL SUBSIDY OFFER LAPSES.

MINERS’ LAST HOPE DISSIPATED.

By Telegraph —Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian Press Association. Received Jan. 28, 5.30 p.m. Sydney, Jan. 2S.

Consequent on the miners’ refusal to accept the State Government’s scheme for the rehabilitation of the coal industry the Commonwealth’s offer of a shilling a ton subsidy has officially lapsed. This is viewed gravely by the Premici, Mr. T. R. Bavin, who doubts whether it would bo possible to have it renewed. The Commonwealth’s action in promising a bounty to New South Wales at the expense of other States caused a storm of disapproval. The Federal Prime Minister, Mr. S. M. Bruce, therefore, will hesitate before renewing the offer.

“My chief regret,” adds Mr. Bavin, “is that the miners’ federation appears to have taken the view that its duty. does not consist of setting the industry on is feet but that-it is concerned only to advance the special interests of its own members. That attitude will get us nowhere.” * Mr. Bavin has not yet concluded his discussions with the coal owners but it is expected their attitude will he defined before the end of the week. Mr. Bruce telegraphed to-day that the Federal Government had no intention of . conducting an inquiry into the industry on the lines suggested by. the .miners’ federation. He added that the question of handling the coal situation was one entirely for the State Government. This message dissipates the miners’ last hope and will cause their representatives marked disappointment.