MATTER OF MINUTES.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 193, 13 August 1920, Page 4

MATTER OF MINUTES.

STATE COAL STRIKE. CBy Telegraph.— Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON. Thursday. What is the position now of the Greymouth State coal mine strike, Mr. Holland asked the Minister of Railways to-day. He added that he wae in receipt of a telegram, the effect of which \va.s that the local manager of the mines had agreed with the miner? to the conditions offered, bin the general manager would not fall in line. The direct result ; was that 4.0(10 tons of coal, a week's I output, was being lost to the community. The position now, said Mr. Massey, is that the miners are enjoying a game of football, (Laughter.) In graver mood, he explained that there was no doubt as to : the seriousness of the loss in the output, approximately 4000 tons weekly. •He repeated that the 'Minister of Mines and Railways (himself) had given in--1 structiona for thr grievances to be settled. The matters in dispute were a suitable time-table, fares, and the carriage of the hack shift, about eight or nine men who carry out repair work i after suspension of t'.ie day's operations. J Mr. Holland: They have agreed to abolish that shift. Mr. Masoey concurred -with this etatei merit, and mentioned that additional ex- ; penditure to the extent of £4000 annually had teen incurred by the re--1 vised arrangement. The only matter yet to be adjusted was the timetable. The miners wanted the train put back fire j minutes in the morning and t«n minutes at night, but the general manager, ilr. I .lames, considered this impracticable, as it : would upset all the transit arrangements. "I have instructed liim to .investigate the position personally, and effect a settlement as soon as possible."