COAL DISPUTE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 245, 14 September 1929, Page 9

COAL DISPUTE

POSITION IN N.S.W. DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT. SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). NEWCASTLE, Sept. 13. There was a dramatic development in the coal trouble to-day. Ten pairs ot drivers and firemen employed on the South Maitland railways were dismissed by the South Maitland Railway Company, which handles coal from the mines, and is outside the Northern Collieries’ Association. The drivers and firemen had been ordered by tlieir union to refuse to draw any "more coal from these mines, which have been working ever since the lock-out last March.

The stoppage of this source of coal supply will have a serious effect on passenger trains and gasworks. A special meeting of the mining unions is being held in Sydney next week-to consider the latest development in the coalfields. It is reported that an attempt will be made to close all the mines now working, with the object of compelling the Government to intervene. The Engine Drivers and Firemen’s Association officials claim that the only way to bring matters to a head is to completely hold up industries Sind facilities for transport. INDUSTRY AT HOME. JOINT MEETING SOUGHT. (Australian Press Association.) .LONDOiN, Sept. 13. The Miners’ Executive has invited the owners to reconsider their refusal to agree to a national joint meeting. It is urged that the meeting is necessary in view of tile termination of agreements and pending legislation affecting all sections of the industry. Mr Cook stated to-day that the executive was firm for a national agreement. ~ , The Daily Herald states that unless the owners agree, the Government will be urged to ensure a meeting.