THE COAL INDUSTRY.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17869, 15 November 1929, Page 7

THE COAL INDUSTRY.

POSITION IN AUSTRALIA. MR, HIBBLE’S CONCLUSIONS. “THE ONLY WAY OUT.” united Press Assn. —Elec. Tel.—'Copyright SYDNEY, Nov. 14. The chairman of the compulsory coal conference, Mr Hibble, to-day reported on the failure of the negotiations. He said the only solution of the trouble was the acceptance by the men of Is per ton reduction in their wages, and that the costs should be collectively spread over all contracts and the wages of “ off-hand ” employees, the actual incidence of which was a matter for the parties. It was quite impossible for the mines to function further under the present conditions without a substantial and tangible reduction in the selling price of coal. Mr Hibble said he was convinced this really was the only way out. The coal owners were willing to forego is per ton and the New South Wales Government was prepared to bear 2s per ton for haulage, lie hoped the men would resume work shortly and that the greatly increased volume of trade which would be occasioned by a reduction in price would be of advantage to all concerned.

LATER. MINES TO BE WORKED. STATE WILL TAKE CONTROL. PROTECTION FOR WORKERS. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel.—Copyright. (Received Nov- 15, 10.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 15. The Coal Conference having failed to reach an agreement, It is now the intention of the State Government to take over three collieries in the Maitland district in order to win coal for essential services- It is estimated the coal from these collieries can be sold at about 21s Gd per ton. Negotiations are in progress for taking over by the Government of several other State mines. The three collieries to be opened are Cessnock, Peltor and Rothbury. The Government is confident that there will be no lack of volunteers, and all preparations have been made to give them protection.

THE FUTILE CONFERENCE. STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN. United Press Assn.— Elec. Tel. —Copyright. (Received Nov. 15, 11.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 15. Mr Hibble, the chairman of the compulsory conference, stated: “Were I enabled to sit judicially rny judgment would be that the mining unions should accept a reduction of one shilling a ton.”