N.S.W. COAL STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2695, 28 December 1909, Page 5

N.S.W. COAL STRIKE.

CARDINAL MORAN APPEALS TO THE MINERS. United Pbtss Association —Copyright. SYDNEY, Dec. 27. Cardinal Moran, in a sermon, said he understood it was useless for him to appeal to the mine-owners, but he Y appealed to the men to return to work J without a day’s delay. He said that * no doubt, at no distant day, the mines would be gradually resumed by the State, and the disastrous - record of strikes would befor ever closed. MINERS’ DELEGATE COMING TO NEW ZEALAND: .r. .JMr,. McWilliams, vice-president of the -Colliery, Employees! . FScleration, proceeds to New Zealand on a mission in connection with the strike. THE CHRISTMAS HAM—CHEAP BUT FEW BUYERS.

Under ordinary conditions the Christmas ham this year would have cost a good deal, more than the price at whicn it is at present selling, inis, at any rate, is the opinion of the wholesale dairy produce merchants. lhe strike, they point.out has had the effect of keeping prices down, as it has eurtailed the deni and on the part or the general public to a large extent. ..Before the industrial troubles arose there was every indication that big prices were going to rule at Christmas time, because the value of pigs, this year, has been high, having the effect of restrict. j n <r the purchasing of bacon pigs, which ha's accordingly told on the output or hams. Queensland stores + are a.so Lcarrying light stocks, and instead of the usual large importations coming from -that State, only reduced shipments hav c arrived. In fact,. they have been so short that a few nams have left this State for North Queensland towns, which is most unusual. .With stocks on hand, therefore, and with a small de mand existing, the market has ruled steadily for some weeks, showing little fluctuation. The grocers, in some of the poorer suburbs, however, have been :fo?cJd to cancel their bookings hut in many of the larger districts the _ retailers will be delivering a ; fair quantity 5 hams to their during the next couple of weeks.. The . reason of this is that their a “Christmas Hamper Chib, o?Jr delicacies contained in the hamper. Beyond this, however, there is practically no response for the customary Chnst mas luxuries. The _gracers have never experienced such a Dad time. They are Uirierly complaTning of the dulness of trade. The public, they, say are waitW until the last minute before they 0 ' • -•

CABLE NEWS.

purchase and prepare for their Christinas festivities. A few months ago the grocery trade looked better than it did for years. - ‘Grocers bought their Christmas stocks in larger quantities than has been their custom, but now, instead of selling them Friskily, and with profitable returns, stocks are left in the SllOpS. - ; , . . **