THE COAL STRIKE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 52, Issue 205, 11 June 1932, Page 6

THE COAL STRIKE

NO ACTION BY GOVERNMENT. POSITSQN CLOSELY WATCHED. STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, June 10. ' The Government has no intention at the moment of intervening in the dispute between the coal mine owners abd the miners, which had led to a national strike. The dispute is regarded as one between employers and employees. This statement was . made by the Minister of Mines in reply to a question. Mr Macmillan said that at present there was no reason for the Government to in. Although it was watching-the position closely, he said, the Government would not interfere unless forced to do so through the occurrence of unlawful acts, of which there was no signi at the moment, or unless there was a unanimous desire by both sides for the State to take part. . _ The Minister released for publication the text of telegrams which have passed between him and the leader of the Labour Party (Mr Holland). In a telegram to the Minister, Mr Holland said: "I strongly urge the Government to bring pressure to secure an unconditional conference between mine-owners and miners. I feel confident that such a conference, if arranged, would result in an agreement under which the mines would continue working. The owners' action in insisting that the miners shall accept a drastic change in existing conditions in one important particular before a new agreement shall be discussed is wholly untenable and should not be permitted to lay the Coast industry idle." The Minister replied: "I am informed that the mine-owners offered a conference on the West Coast, which was agreed to, but the unions ceased work before a date could be fixed. I suggest, therefore, that you move the unions on the Coast to resume work immediately." THE NORTHERN MINES. NO CHANGE IN SITUATION. AUCKLAND, June 10. No moves were made publicly by either side yesterday to bring about a settlement of the dispute between the owners of the coal mines in the Waikato and North Auckland and the men concerning the framing of a new agreement. The Hikurangi Miners' Union has elected a finance and produce committee with the object of arranging any activity it considers necessary for the relief of men out of work. BINS BEING EMPTIED. POSITION OF GREY STOCKS. GREYMOUTH, June 10. Union mines on the West Coast continue idle in the absence of any indication of a conference from the employers. • About 5500 tons of coal have been exported from the Grey district since the stoppage, and bins now mv being emptied. Only slack will remain at the State mines after two vessels, due to-morrow, have loaded.