BLACK PORTENTS OF DISASTER.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18291, 14 June 1929, Page 9

BLACK PORTENTS OF DISASTER.

Australian Labour Unrest. MR HUGHES ATTACKS GOVERNMENT. (United Press Association—By E’ectrlo Telegraph—Copyright ) SYDNEY, June 13. Mr W. M. Hughes, addressing the Chamber of Manufacturers, described Mr Bruce’s proposal to abolish the Arbitration Court as reactionary, unwarranted and unauthorised. He hoped that Parliament would disapprove of it. The Government, he added, had abandoned its post. What would become of the hundreds of thousands of men now working under, and loyally obeying the Federal awards? The heavens were black with the portents of disaster, but at the height of the tempest Mr Bruce had left the bridge and handed over the wheel to somebody else. CRISIS IN COAL INDUSTRY. GENERAL STRIKE LOOMING. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, June 14. The decision of the executive of the Engine-drivers’ and Firemen’s Federation in favour of withdrawing all drivers and firemen from the pits means the withdrawal of the safety men from all the collieries throughout New South Wales. It was agreed not to put the decision to strike into effect for the time being so as not to prejudice negotiations for a settlement. Mr Browne, counsel for the unions, has submitted proposals for a conference to the Government, the employers and the unions. The environs of most of the northern mines were deserted yesterday. The Hebburn Collieries continue to be picketed. A later message announces that the notice to close all mines will not be issued till Monday at the earliest. The Combined Unions Conference resumed its deliberations to-day. Mr Browne, the miners’ counsel, stated that a genuine offer of a settlement had been submitted by the miners. He w*as hopeful that this w r ould furnish an avenue of settlement by Monday. TA cable message published yesterday announced that the executive of the Engine-drivers’ and Firemen’s Executive carried a resolution in favour of withdrawing all the drivers and firemen from the pits. This it was suggested would precipitate a general strike throughout the State unless the miners delegates can formulate alternative plans to bring about an end of the present coal deadlock.]

MEN’S OFFER TO OWNERS. SUBJECT TO INQUIRY INTO INDUSTRY. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copy right.) (Received June 13, 7.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, June 13. It is understood that the basis of the miners’ proposal for return to work immediately, is that they are prepared to work at reduced wages, providing the owners guarantee to refund reductions, if their figures, as to the costs of carrying on the industry, are proved wrong. The Miners’ Conference resumed today, but they are unlikely to reach any decision regarding the proposal to withdraw the safety men from the pits, until Monday, when the enginedrivers’ secretary returns from Melbourne, whither he is going to-night. MINERS’ LINE OF ACTION. PUZZLING STATEMENT ISSUED. (United Press Association—By Electrit Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received June 13, 11 p.m.) SYDNEY, June 13. At the conclusion of the Miners’ Conference, the following statement was issued to the Press: “The combined unions have arrived at a policy and adjourned with complete understanding and unanimity.” The date of the resumption of the Conference was not fixed. COAL CRISIS GLOOMIER. MEN’S PROPOSALS REJECTED. (United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received June 14, 1.9 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 13. Inquiries to-night elicited the fact that the coal crisis is gloomier than ever. The owners have rejected the fresh proposals, while it is reliably stated that the Engine Drivers’ executive has sent an ultimatum to the miners’ representative, demanding the withdrawal of mass pickets in the northern collieries and the disciplining of their leaders there, failing which the withdrawal of the safety men at the end of the week will be ordered.