DEMONSTRATION OF JOY

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1929, Page 9

DEMONSTRATION OF JOY

NEWCASTLE CELEBRATES ► IDLE MINERS HOPEFUL LIGHT IN THE. DARKNESS By Telegraph—Press Assn. Copyright. Rec. 5.5 p.m. Sydney, Dec. 1. The news of the proposed settlement of the coal strike evoked joyous expressions in Newcastle and the northern coalfields comparable to Armistice Day demonstrations. At Newcastle people thronged the streets, motors hooted, tramway gongs clanged and shipping In the harbour sounded sirens, making a continuous din unprecedented in the city’s history. Men cheered and women became hysterical. Shops reported an immediate improvement in business. Rejoicing on the coal fields is widespread, the news coining as light in the darkness to many who had not known how they were going to live through the Christmas period.

If the miners ratify the settlement terms a rush of coal orders is assured as stocks everywhere are depleted and mised to increase their consumption of to Government services alone to secure full stocks and reserves can furnish employment for 1200 men immediately and full time at the mines. Gas companies and big industries all need, large quantities to restore normal conditions. In addition to this all these have promixed to increase their consumption of coal at the reduced price. The end of the dispute will mean the resumption of work by 10,000 mine hands, who during 36 weeks of idleness have lost nearly £2,000,000 in wages. The Prime Minister, Mr. J. H. Scullin, declined to comment on the peace development, preferring to leave the miners to come to the final decision uninfluenced by outside statements. The Federated Engine Drivers’ Federation, however, was not so tactful and declared that its organisation was not concerned in the settlement and it would not be binding on that body. If the rank and file accept the terms of the coal agreement it will mean that coal for the inter-State and export trade will be reduced 5s a ton, made up as follows: Federal Government, Is; State Government, 2s; owners, Is 3d; miners, fid.