THE MINERS' STRIKE

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15198, 19 April 1917, Page 2

THE MINERS' STRIKE

A SERIOUS OUTLOOK. (Per United Press Association.) CHRLSTCHURCH, April IS. Mr Cleary, secretary of the Christchurch Coal Merchants' Association, gave it as his opinion to-day tixat unless the position in regard to coal supplies .shows some improvement within a month, every coal merchant in Christchurch will have to close his yard. RACE TRAINS CUT OUT. WELLINGTON, April 18. Another cut in ("he railway service is reported, the Department, having cancelled the special train arrangements for the Manawatu races, which take place on April 25th and 26th. The Department has also cancelled "specials" for all similar gatherings. AUCKLAND CURTAILING ELECTRICAL SUPPLY. AUCKLAND, April 18. The Mayor stated to-day that owing to the shortage of coal it was necessary to curtail the supply of electricity to certain largo users. Unless coal was available in the next few days it wooild be necessary to make a drastic curtailment in order to keep absolutely essential services running. SIR JAMES ALLEN REPLIES TO LABOUR FEDERATION. GRELMOUTH, April 18. Sir James Allen and the Hon. MacDonald arrived back late last night, after meeting the miners at Ruanga and Rawanui.

Sir James Allen, in reply to Mr Hirain Hunter's statement, sent the following telegram:—Hiram Hunter, National Secretary, Federation of Labour, C«risfcchurch.~Your telegram received. I can scarcely believe that the Federation of Labour is opposed to so fair and democratic a measure as the Military Service Act, which places every man, so far as service with the Expeditionary Forces is concerned, on exactly the same footing. The Government cannot suspend the operation of the Act. Parliament alone can do that. The Act was passed with only seven dissentients, and I have every reason to believe that the general opinion of the country is accurately represented uy Parliament.—J. Allen." The Ministers leave Greymouth on their return on Saturday morning. » STEAMERS TO LAY UP. WELLINGTON, April 18. Tt is stated that another important steamer is to be laid up on arrival at Wellington. The Komata (coal carrier) pays off her crew, and will lje laid up at Wellington.