AUSTRALIA’S COAL DISPUTE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 1 May 1926, Page 9

AUSTRALIA’S COAL DISPUTE.

GRAVE FEARS OF STOPPAGE. By C*ble—Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association SYDNICY, April 30 ._ Mr Gibson, seeietary of t lie Engine Drivers’ anti Firemens Association, states that; although negotiations have not been rc-openeci, lie is liopeJul that the coal dispute tvill be amicably settled before the expiry of the Association’s ultimatum, to the owners on May 8. He described as futile Mr Justice Kibble’s suggestion that the Association shun.cl try to settle Hie trouble by constitutional means. ‘‘For over six years,’’ says Air Gibson, “our members have followed constitutional methods, and those 'methods have unfoi Innately landed our members, in the position we find ourselves in to-day. The position is that while in the metalliferous industries highly skilled craftsmen, namely, winding engine drivers, are paid from 33 to 30 no: cent, above the 'labourer’s rate, in the coalmining industry they receive only BE per cent, more.' These are the Australian rates in European countries: ‘‘Winding engine drivers receive double the rates paid to labourers.” In reply to a question, Air Lang said he had every confidence that the matter would be settled in the course of the next few days.