N.S.W. COAL STRIKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2732, 10 February 1910, Page 5

N.S.W. COAL STRIKE.

CABLE NEWS.

THE CONSPIRACY CHARGES

United Press Association —Copyright

(Beceived February 9, 9.45 p.m.) (SYDNEY, Eeb. 9

In the conspiracy cases, each of the five accused made a statement in defence. Bowling claimed that he had never said a word to encourage the men to strike. He always did his best to keep them working. As to conspiracy, any action taken was entirety on his own responsibility, without consulting anyone.

Brennan, Burns, Lewis, and Gray disclaimed any conspiracy to bring about a strike, and said that they had acted innocently on their own initiative in carrying out their duties as miners’ officials. Burns, referring to certain evidence at the trial,.said that when replying to a question, he advised the wives and children of the steel-workers to steal bread, he meant to “steel” it. He intended it, as it was taken, as a pun..

PROCEEDINGS AT THE WAGES BOABD.

(Beceived Februarv 10, 12.20 a.m.) NEWCASTLE, Feb. 9.

When the Wages Board met, Mr. Charleton, a member of the Assembly, at the miners’ request, applied for an adjournment for a week in view of a possible early resumption of work. He said that the result of the ballot recommended by the Delegate Board would be known on Wednesday. The President replied that he could not grant an adjournment on the grounds asked, and suggested that Mr. Cl'dT - ton use his efforts to secure a consultation between the represents id ivs of the two sides, he, himself, offerng to act as mediator. He believed •at such a consultation would spiadity settle the majority'of the grievau -s. He granted an adjournment till tomorrow to allow Mr. Charleton to consult the miners.