COAL MINE IDLE
DISPUTE AFFECTS SHIPPING.
THE TROUBLE. AT BLACKBALL. (Special to the "Guardian.") GREYMOUTH, June 7. The dispute among the members of the Blackball Miners' Union continues, and the mine was idle to-day, approximately 220 men thus losing their third day's wages this week. The cause of the present stoppage of operations at the mine is probably unique in the lengthy list of hold-ups in the history of West Coast coal mines. It is not .a fight between employers and employees, but one between two factions in the union. A levy was struck recently by which union members who were working were required to pay 2s per fortnight in aid of those members who wore unable to obtain employment. The levy was not unanimously favoured, however, and about 18 men refused to pay it. ! The dispute came to a head on Wednesday, when the levy supporters re--1 fused to work with those who objected |to the payment. The unfortunate part of the dispute is that the mine is idle, 'and is unable to fulfil orders placed I with the company for coal, with the I result that all the effects of the trouble I are not confined to its originators.
The shipping business has also been dislocated, so far as Blackball coal is concerned. Three vessels controlled by the Union Steam Ship Company have been affected this week. The Kaimai, which sailed this morning, left without 200 tons of Blackball coal which she would normally have shipped. The Opihi, at present in port, is unable to secure 500 tons of Blackball coal which she was to have loaded, while the Kamona, which is due to-morrow, was also to have taken away 500 tons. In addition, vessels to arrive next week would have shipped at least 1000 tons of Blackball coal. Unless the miners resume work immediately, this coal will not be available. The Anchor Shipping Company's vessel Alexander, now in port, cannot secure 150 tons of Blackball coal, for which snace was booked, while the Titoki, due to-day, will be unable to secure 500 tons she was to have loaded. l
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Bibliographic details
Ashburton Guardian, Volume 49, Issue 199, 8 June 1929, Page 6
Word Count
352COAL MINE IDLE Ashburton Guardian, Volume 49, Issue 199, 8 June 1929, Page 6
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