THE MINERS' DISPUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 131, 4 June 1901, Page 2

THE MINERS' DISPUTE.

THE CASE CLOSED.

DECISION RESERVED,

(By Telegraph.-Own Correspondent)

WAIHI, this day. The Conciliation Board resumed its sitting this morning. Mr Rhodes said: Before we consider the question of addresses there is a subject that I would like to refer to. I regret exceedingly that certain details of the conference between the employers and the Union have found their way into the newspapers. The report is published in an incomplete form, which is misleading. It was understood that any proposal made should be entirely without prejudice, and the proceedings ought to have been regarded as confidential between the two parties. I wotdd therefore claim that the Board should dismiss any recollection of such figures as may have come under their notice in the public press, and remember that nothing whatever is evidence on this point. The figures would have been quite impossible had the proposal been fixed at. a minimum rate.

Referring to the above, it may be mentioned that the conference took place at Paeroa, and when the Board adjourned from there it went to Auckland.

Mr. Barry addressed the Board. He stated he would confine himself to three points; namely, hours of labour, overtime and Sunday work. His general views and arguments, he said, would be expressed by Messrs. Tunks and Rhodes, who would follotr bim.

Mr. Woolmer (Waitekauri Extended) then briefly addressed the Board, and was followed by Mr. Tunks. who submitted that the rate of pay fixed should apply to the. whole of the peninsula, and that the minimum rate should not be taken from the Waihi Company's rates, but rather from that of the Thames.

Mr. Rich, of the Woodstock Company, and Messrs. Brown and Woolmer stated that they did not agree with the conference of the employers held at Paeroa. They could not make any concession on the present rate.

Messrs. Montgomery, Curtis and Rhodes also delivered addresses.

This finished the case, for the employers.

Mr. Potts opened for the Union, aud was followed by Mr. Drumm. The case was closed at a quarter past 12.

The Chairman announced that the public hearing was closed, and tbe Board would go into committee. The award would be given at 10.30 a.m. at the. board room in the Supreme Court, Auckland, ou Monday morning next.