The restructuring of the NSW coalmining industry, 1903-1982

The thesis is developed chronologically into nine chapters, the first two dealing with the 19th century and the remaining seven with the 20th century. In Chapters III to VI the themes of each are sequential chronologically as well as interactive independent of chronology. Chapters VII, VIE and IX are concemed widi the years 1952-1982. As well as empirically, treatment of the 19th century is essential to the development of the major theoretical considerations of the thesis. For, well before the end of the century, the relations of production characteristic of the industry during the 20th century were firmly entrenched: trade practices and union custom and practice were resolutely in place. These were not even affected by the changes to the means of production caused by technological change from 1903.