THE COAL CRISIS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 195, 16 August 1918, Page 3

THE COAL CRISIS.

DEMAND TOR CON___RET.CE. MINERS WORKING PASTER. The statement by Mr. Robert Sample, miners' agent, that "It devolves upon the Cabinet and authorities to do all that is humanly possible tp avoid the conflict now looming," is b,ackcd by the opinion of several Auckland people directly interested in the presnt coal crisis. The secret ballot papers have now been forwarded to Wellington, where tbe result of the voting from the different coal districts is not known yet, and will not be for a few days to come. It is understood that tlie foalmine. Owners' Association will hold a meeting of its members in Wellington as soon as possible. Some time ago steps were taken to ensure that ccrta ; n e s srnt ; nl industries could get stores of coal, the definite aim being to sec that the freezing works in the land and the dairy companies, which arc soon to commence their new season, should hive a few weeks' supply in .tors. T.2re ia some evidence for the bel'cf that the Government was concurrent in this action. This has robbed any threatened stoppage of all its worst effects and greatest loss to the country. Since the ballot, two days ago, the coal ontput of at least two companies has advanced a little. The miners, back at work, seem to 'be going faster than is usual. There is no sign whatever of there be ; n? any slowing c*own. This give, the sli.htly increased daily output now. Tlie strongest of the sucnestions made in this city now is that the Government should hold an inrmiry into the whole of the coal question.

ARGOT. OB FIGHT ? STATEMENT BY ME. SEMPLE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WESTPORT, this day. In a statement to tbe "Wesport Times" this morning Mr. Semple said tbe coaltninera of New Zealand had expressed their opinion by 'ballot, the purport of which he did not at present know. The result of the ballot would be made known to the general public in a few day.' timeHe had been right through the Dominion, and from what he had seen and from what he kn«w privately he had not the slightest doubt but that the miners would do the right thing. It had been asserted by the Coal Owners' Association that a small coterie of union officials in Wellington were at the head of matters, but the ballot now taken by the miners would show that they were quite prepared and folly qualified to mind their own business. Industrial unions were composed of men who knew -what they were talking about. Mr. Semple wanted it to be particularly emphasised that no matter -what the result of the ballot the men would still .be quite prepared to leave questions in dis-

putc open for a public settlement. Ho felt fully convinced, after fifteen years' t travelling among miners, that they were solid on all matters they took in hand, and in the matter of a conference they weie solid almost to a man. The miner sincerely at heart wished Cabinet .would do the right thing and avoid an industrial crisis. The cry of the miner in the present tine wa_ "argue instead of fight." The position now resolved itself thuely: It devolved upon the Cabinet and authorities to do all humanly possible to avoid the conflict which was looming. IN FEDERATION'S HANDS. <Py Telegraph.— tress Association.) GREYMOUTH, Thursday. The men at the State mine held a stopwork meeting on Wednesday, when the dispute with the coal mine owners concerning wages was discussed. It was decided finally to leave the matter entirely in the hands of the federation. The men resumed work this morning as usual, and will await further developments. A stopwork meeting at Blackball adopted the same policy. BAULOT AT KATTANGATA. INCREASED PAY DEMANDED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) DUNEDIN, this day. A ballot was taken at the Kaitangata mines on Wednesday, to determine whether the miners would submit a demand for an additional 20 per cent increase of wages. The proposal was carried by ISO votes to 17.

DISPUTE AT STOCKTON. WESTPORT, Thursday. The fact thut the bins are full and that there is a shortage of shipping was responsible for the Westport Coal Company's mines being idle to-day. The Stockton mines were idle owing to a dispute over a deputy, who was asked to do work which he considered outside his duties, namely, cutting the tops off mining props. He refused to do this work, and was dismissed. The other deputies decline to resume work until the man is reinstated. In connection with the stop-work meeting of miners, it is understood that there wa_ a majority in favour of leaving the matter in the hands of the federation to take what action it considered advisable. Details of the voting are not available.