THE COAL STRIKE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 14131, 10 February 1910, Page 3

THE COAL STRIKE.

HEARING OF CONSPIRACY CASES. A PLAY UPON WORDS. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. SYDNEY, Fob. 9. The hearing of the conspiracy cases was continued to-day. Each of the five accused made a statement in defence. Bowling claimed that he never had said a word to encourage the men to strike. He had always done his best to keep them working. As to - conspiracy, any action taken was entirelyon his own responsibility, without consulting anyone. Brennan, Burns, Lewis and Gray disclaimed any connection with conspiracy to bring about a strike. They acted innocently on their own initiative in carrying out their duties as the miners officials. Burns, referring to certain evidence at the trial, said that when replying to a question ho had advised the w.ves and children of stool workers to steal bread. He meant “steel it.” 1 Ins he intended, as it was taken, as a pun. MEETING OF WAGES BOARD. ADJOURNED TILL TO-DAY. NEWCASTLE, Feb. 9. The Wages Board met to-day. Mr. Charlton, a member of the Assembly, at the minors’ requw; applied for an adjournment for a week, in view of the possible early resumption of work. Ho said the result of the ballot, recommended by the Delegate Board, would be known on Wednesday. The president replied that he could not grant the adjournment on the grounds asked. He suggested that Mr. Charlton use his efforts to secure a consultation between the representatives of the two sides, himself offering to act as mediator. He believed such a consultation would speedily settle the majority of the grievances. He granted an adjournment till to-morrow to allow Mr. Charlton to consult the miners.