THE COAL STRIKE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 14133, 12 February 1910, Page 3

THE COAL STRIKE.

OUTLOOK BRIGHTENING; ACCEPTANCE OF WAGES-BOARD. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. SYDNEY, Feb. 11. The strike outlook generally is brightening. Advices from the southern districts arq very hopeful of to-morrow’s ballot favouring a resumption of work on Monday. Newcastle reports a growing expectation of an early resumption of work. The Industrial Court granted the application on behalf of ten miners’ lenders recently fined £IOO each in connection with the strike, on the ground that as officials of the Miners’ Federation their services were required for bringing about the settlement which was imminent. NEWCASTLE, Feb. 11. The lodges are taking a vote on whether they shall ballot on the question of the acceptance of the Wages Board. So far ten lodges have voted for it and four against the ballot. Apparently the Delegate Board regards the result as assured, as already it is issuing, ballot papers before all the lodges have expressed their views. THE LEADERS’ SENTENCES. THE LAW CONDEMNED. SYDNEY, Feb. 11. The Labour members of Parliament consider the sentences ou Bowling and the others unnecessarily severe. Mr. M’Gowen declared that the law was passed to deal with criminals, and not to turn honest men into criminals. That was what was being done at present. A nominal sentence would have met the justice of the case. Justice Scholcs returned to Sydney and interviewed the Premier (Mr. Wade) during the flay. Both declined to say anything regarding Justice Scholes’ conference with the miners’ Advisory Board. BRISBANE, Feb. 11. Brisbane provincial council of the Australian Labour Federation adopted a resolution expressing its deep abhorrence of the detestable class of biassed law under which representatives of the New South Wales workers have been sentenced for the criiAo of endeavouring to better the condition of their mates. The council also resolved that the Parliamentary Labour Party ought to strenuously oppose the enactment of laws introduced with the object of crippling unions. !A REVOLUTIONARY RUSSIAN. (Received Feb. 12, 8.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, Feb. 12. Feldhausen and his companions, for taking part in a Socialist demonstration against the sentences imposed on tl.e strike leaders, were fined amounts ranging from 20s to £5 with alternatives of seven days to two months in gaol. Feldhausen is a Russian. Ho declared himself an anarchist revolutionary, and said he came to Australia to get greater political freedom, but had failed to obtain it. INDIGNANT RAILWAY SERVANTS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Fob. 12. The conference of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants at present sitting in 'Wellington passed a motion expressing indignation at the severity of tho sentences inflicted on the leaders of the Newcastle coal strike. Tho conference also decided to take up a voluntary subscription amongst members of the society in aid of tho Newcastle strike fund.