HIKURANGI AGREEMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 230, 29 September 1931, Page 3

HIKURANGI AGREEMENT.

PART PLAYED BY MINISTER. VISITING M.P.'S THANKED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, this day. Referring to the recent mining stoppage at Hikurangi. Sir. A. J. Murdoch, SI.P., said it had been stated '"'that the Minister of Mines took no interest in the dispute, and kept as far away from Hikurangi &s possible. That was an unfair statement, and contrary to fact. It was not the function of the Minister of Mines to interfere in disputes between private owners and their employees.

'•'After appealing to the Leader of the Labour party, Mr. H. E. Holland, to use his influence towards a settlement," said Mr. Murdoch, 'T met a deputation of a number of members of Parliament, and gave them full details of the position. I divulged to the members that, as the result of telephonic communication with Messrs. S. Reid, manager of Wilsons

(X.Z.) Portland Cement, and L. Stevens, a director of the Hikurangi Coal Company*, I had ascertained that Wilsons

Company had no intention of reopening the mine, but had. advised me that they would be prepared to consider leasing on a co-operative system, and. further, that they would guarantee to accept coal supplies from a co-operative body at a given rate per ton.

'T suggested to the deputation that an effort be made to effect a settlement on these lines, as, otherwise, the future of Hikurangi would be jeopardised."

"The settlement which was finally reached was practically identical with that which I. as Minister of Mines, had suggested. When Mr. Holland was notified of the arrangement made for the sending of the deputation, comprising, as it did, representatives oi his party and the member for the district, he was fully in accord, and expressed his pleasure at my proinct action.

"I wish to take the opportunity of publicly thanking Messrs. Rushworth, Parry and Semple for the manner in which they conducted the business, which resulted so satisfactorily to all parties."