THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12945, 9 December 1909, Page 5

THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS.

Coal Lumpers Decide to Strike.

Press Association — Telegraph. — Copyright.

Received December 9, 10.35 a.m.

SYDNEY, December 8. The Coal Lumpers' Union has decided to strike.

The Assembly has been sitting continuously. It is estimated that the time has largely been taken up in attacks on the Government over the strike. There have been several disorderly scenes. One Labour member accused the Government of a deliberate attempt to create an insurrection by sending a large force of police to Newcastle. Tiie Chief Secretary replied that the whole action of the Government had been one of tolerance, forbearance, and continual effort to influence both parties to bring about a settlement. For this purpose it was giving the fullest and freest opportunity to get all the coal wanted for the public. The Government were not going to allow an industrial paralysis to overtake the State. They would, if necessary, get the coal from abroad, though they preferred to give every chance to get it locally. If the Government protects the mines they would not allow the owners to sell coal to the public at famine prices.