SERIOUS COAL CRISIS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume L, Issue 15060, 6 November 1916, Page 2

SERIOUS COAL CRISIS.

20,000 MINERS IDLE IN AUSTRALIA. TRADE LIKELY TO BE PARALYSE®. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association). SYDNEY, November 4. There is no improvement in the coal trouble outlook. • Unless a settlement is effected within a few days, whereof at present there are apparently small prospects, the position will be very serious. Representatives of the colliery proprietors discussed the situation witn Mr Hughes, and to-morrow the executive officers of the Miners’ Federation will request the Minister of Mines to meet them. The, State Government has issued a proclamation asking for a return of all coal over five tons held in New South Wales by noon to-morrow. It is estimated that in the various States there are already 20,000 colliery employees idle, and should the trouble continue the shipping and manufacturing interests will become involved and the number enormously increased. Shipping is much perturbed, fearing a general dislocation. The crews of many colliers and of a number of steamers were yesterday paid off and the vessels laid up, owing to the shortness of bunkering stocks. The list will be ■ largely increased early next week unless a settlement is reached. MELBOURNE, November 5. Already the effect of the coal strike is being felt. The crews of a number of colliers and other vessels have been paid off, and the companies are issuing only single fares. The Chamber of Manufacturers meets on Monday to discuss the position. The secretary states that all supplies of coal have been commandeered by the Navy Department for the transports, wheat ships, munition works, and hospitals. There is no chance of manufacturers getting supplies, and they must close on Monday. TASMANIAN MINERS STRIKE. HOBART, November 4. The men employed at the Mt. Nicholas and Cornwall collieries have struck. TRAIN SERVICES CURTAILED. BRISBANE, November 4. * Owing to the possible shortage ■ of coal, the railway service is being curtailed. J