AUSTRALIAN COAL STRIKE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 16824, 30 November 1916, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN COAL STRIKE.

SYDNEY, November 29. The miners' delegates have decided to be represented at the tribunal. The secretary states that it is idle to lead aiiyone to belie* that there is the slightest hope' of resumption unless the question of hours is conceded. It I s now been decided that the tribunal's decision re the hours shall be given on Monday. Since Saturday 1685 factory employees have been" rendered idle, bringing the Sydney total to 19,004. The Southern coke workers have decided not to handle coal. The members of the Small Arms Factory Union have decided to cease work owing to the dismissal of ten men for refusing to lead coal for a factory which had been declared black. Mr Justice Edmunds presides at the strike tribunal. Fruit-growers are threatened with disaster if the railways are unable to carry the fast-ripening crops to the summer fruit mai-kefc. MELBOURNE, November 29. The Carltoh and Abboteford Breweries and all superphosphate works have closed f as a result of the strike, and many have been thrown idle. Although agreeing to abide by the decision of the tribunal, the mine-owners have withdrawn all previous offers to compromise. BRISBANE, November 29. The Tramways Company has disconnected power from exempted industries. It is estimated that during the week 15,000 employees were rendered idle.

CONFERENCE IN WELLINGTON,

WELLINGTON, November 29. In connection with the coal miners' strike in Australia, a conference is io be held in Wellington to-night hetween the Hons. Allen and Macclonaki, and representatives of the coal mine' owners, the New Zealand Miners' Federation, shipping companies, and Waterside Workers' Federation, with reference to the shipment of coal for Australia. It is not anticipated that there will be any trouble regarding coal for New Zealand troopships, but the miners will have to be perfectly satisfied that it is for that purpose only. It is understood that the miners will absolutely refuse to handle any other coal being shipped to Australia, or do anything likely to jeopardise the position of the miners on strike there.