SHAG POINT MINE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 49, Issue 199, 8 June 1929, Page 6

SHAG POINT MINE.

REOPENING DESIRED.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 7

This morning Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., and Mr A. McLagan, representing the United Mine Workers of New Zealand, waited on the Minister of Mines (the Hon. W. A. Veitch) asking him to use his endeavours with the Shag Point Mining Company to have the mine re-opened. It was stated that the company had made proposals to the miners for a 10 per cent, reduction in wages. which the men had refused, and consequently the company Avas threatening to wind up. The mine had been closed for two months following the men's refusal to accept reductions. It was asked on behalf of the men that the Minister should use his influence to have the mine re-opened on the basis of the existing agreement, after which the men would be prepared to negotiate with the company and discuss means of improving its financial position. Mr Veitch replied that the case was going before the Arbitration Court, and he could not do anything which would be likely to influence the Court's decision. He was tremendously anxious to have the matter settled, and was hopeful that it would be possible to have the mine re-opened provided that he could be assured that he would not lie doing anything to conflict with the constitutional position. He would be glad to see whether anything could be done to have the mine re-opened in the meantime.