N. S. W. COAL STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2676, 4 December 1909, Page 5

N. S. W. COAL STRIKE.

CABLE NEWS.

THE SITUATION CRITICAL.

United Ptv«ss Association—Copyright

SYDNEY, Dec. 3

Mr. Wade’s interviews with Messrs. Learmouth and Hughes were fruitless. Action was taken to-day to appoint a board under the Industrial Disputes Act to deal with the trouble.

Although the Strike Congress decided that the Palermo’s coal should be handled the Coal Lumpers’ Union is not altogether satisfied, holding that the importation of coal is a blow at the Southern mines, which have a contract to supply P. and 0. steamers. Mr. Hughes states that the situation is critical. Everything depends on the next twenty-four hours whether there will be . a settlement of a great industrial cataclysm. MELBOURNE, Dec. 3.

There are 3000 persons idle through the strike, and as many more are working short time.

PROPOSALS BY LABOR PARTY REJECTED BY PROPRIETORS.

(Received December 4, 1.30 a.m.)

The Labor Party have submitted their proposals for settlement, which suggest that both parties should withdraw their letters to Mr. Wade and start negotiations no novo, to tho proprietors and the strike congress. The proprietors turned the proposals down. The congress, though it sent no official reply, yet is understood to bo favorable. Mr. Hughes stated to-night that the position for bringing the parties together was hopeless. •

The action of the lumpers over the Palermo’s coal is regarded as serious. Further developments in connection with handling imported coal are not improbable. .

THE DIFFICULTY BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURT.

(Received December 3, 10.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, Dec. 3.

In tho Industrial Court, the president, Justice .Heydon, read a letter from Mr. Wade, officially informing him that all efforts to effect a settlement of the coal trouble by conference or to secure the appointment of a hoard under the Industrial Disputes Act had proved futile. Mr. Wade conveyed this, hi s official information, in order that Justice Heydon might consider the desirability of taking any further action thought uecessary in the public interest under the powers conferred by the Industrial Disputes Act. Justice Heydon announced that a Newcastle Collieries Board would be appointed to deal with the matter in dispute, and he adjourned the matter till Saturday morning for the appointment of a board.

LUMPERS REFUSE TO UNLOAD THE PALERMO.

The Lumpers’ Union, after a protracted discussion, decided by a large majority not to work the Palermo’s coal. The P. and 0. Company this afternoon started the crew of the Palermo to unload the coal, Avhicli is being placed in the hunkers of the liner Macedonia by her crew. The Railway Department intimated that it required the whole of the coal from the Ebbw Main and Young Wallsend pits. The management considered the prices offered by the Department inadequate, and unless better terms are offered threaten to close the mines.