MINERS STRIKE

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23281, 17 August 1945, Page 8

MINERS STRIKE

Serious Position In Sydney Gas Rationing Likely By Telegraph—N.Z Press Assn.—Copyright SYDNEY, August 14. In a last-minute attempt to prevent the rationing of gas and electricity, the Acting' Premier (Mr J. M. Baddeley.t proposed an immediate inquiry into' the South Maitland coal strike. He made the proposal in a telegram sent to the Prime Minister (Mr J. B. Chifley) and the Secretary of the South Maitland Disputes Association. Mr Baddeley suggests that the findings of the committee of inquiry shall be final and that the 25 mines should resume immediately. “Responsibility for coal production rests upon the Federal Government.” said Mr Baddeley. “The paramount consideration to me. however, is that efforts to settle the dispute have failed, and New South Wales faces a serious crisis. The Government is determined to do everything in its power to avoid rationing.” Mr Baddeley’s announcement followed a statement by the miners’ general president <Mr H. Wells), in which he said that Sydney faced the prospect of a near blackout during the V-J Day celebrations. “This week.” said Mr" Wells, “the nation needs coal very badly. If this stoppage continues for even a few days and the ; war ends within a week there will be little coal during the holidays for elec- ; tricity and gas and for industry.” j Mr Wells added that to avoid this situation the next move was up to the Government. It appeared there was no solution except the reinstatement, of the suspended deputy. Gas company officials stated that gas rationing was now inevitable,, but the position was so serious that rationing would not be of much help. The stoppage at 25 South Maitland collieries resulted in a loss of 44,000 tons of coal in two days this week.

Coal production at 26 mines on the South Maitland fields. New South Wales, ceased at 11 o'clock on Thursday night, because of a. decision of the South Maitland Deputies’ Assoclation to call a general strike of its members. The strike has arisen over the dismissal three months ago of a mine deputy whose reinstatement is demanded by the miners. They claim that their action is being taken to enforce their demands for the reinstatement of the deputy.