GREAT COAL STRIKE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14056, 13 November 1909, Page 5

GREAT COAL STRIKE.

J CONFERENCE SUGGESTED. ; AN ANXIOUS TIME. 'Press Asrociation-By Telegraph-Copyright SYDNEY, Nov. .12.. In response to an invitation to participate, in mi open conference to redress ;esistiiig grievances, the "Western Cqlliery proprietors stated that no grievances existed. Tho'Lithgow Miners' Federation officials state that the request "was 1 not meant for a combined conference but of thtcc separate conferences for 'ho throe imining districts. The Northern proprietors will meet in Sydney to-day to discuss the Situation. There is reason to believe that they will insist upon a resumption of work as a primary condition to negotiations. Tho Sydney Labour Council endorsed the strike and gavo its approval to an extension of the movement if tho proprietors decline to agree to a- conference. : A mass meeting of 'waterside'workers is called for Monday. Tho statement is made that if the proposed conference fails tho waterside workers from Brisbano to Perth will striko on Tuesday. THE MINERS' GRIEVANCES. REPLY TO MR. WADE.

SYDNEY, Nov. 12. ' Tlio Miners' Delegates' Board has issued a statement of grievances : upon which the Newcastle strike -was declared. It covers the whole of the troubles of tho northern coalfield for several years. Many of the ixiints raised are of an intricate character.

Mr Bowline, the secretary, referring to the Government's proposed action, said that Mr Wade's speech contained a threat in almost every line. It appeared" to him to he using threatening language. Bluff might frighten, hut the miners were not to he frightened that. way. If Mr. Wade took action it would ho soinewhero else than at Newcastle, and it would not he one of the miners who was first arrested. The coastal steamship companies have followed, the inter-State companies in raising freights and fares. The Union Company and the Hud- ,!..,.»■_ Parker Comnany antic ; ™tc . Httte difficulty in securing coal. The Union Company has a stock of 2000 tons at Newcastle, which' is reserved for the passenger service. Tho stoppage rif southern supplies is likely to seriously interfere with other companies. !

Fuel for domestic purposes is getting scarce, and the stoppage of work by a number of firms is inevitable, unless thcro -is au early settlement of dispute.

MORE MINERS OUT. OWNERS' CONCILIATORV. Received S p.m.. Nov. I2th. SYDNEY, Nov. 12. The Zigzag miners came out of the first Western mine and .ioiir.nl- the strike. Tlio Northern coal owners have decided to reply to the miners' request agreeing to a conference if the men resume work within a. week". If tlic conference is abortive they are agreeable to refer the grievances to the Industrial Court.

READY FOR EMERGENCY. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov 12. In order that the Ulimaroa should not bo delayed in Australian waters'in consequcned of the Newcastle strike, largo quantities of coal are being placed in the vessel here to-day. She will carry about sixteen hundred tons when leaving this, afternoon and should have enough to bring her back to New Zealand without delay or inconvenience".