OPINION OF MINERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 133, 7 June 1932, Page 8

OPINION OF MINERS.

NEGOTIATION IMPERATIVE. INTER-ISLAND PROBLEMS. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. The opinion of Wrst Coast miners is that if new conditions are enforced in the North Island without negotiations with the men ifc would be useless to have prolonged discussions regarding the same proposals as they affect the West Coast. It is claimed that if terms are imposed at Huntly a dangerous precedent would ■be created, which any conference on the West Coast could not very well upset.

PROSPECTIVE SHORTAGE. TWO OR THREE MONTHS HENCE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. A ehortage in coal supplies in the South Lsland in two or three months' time ie predicted if the North Island draws on the 14 co-operative mines of the South for its supplier, as there are few such mines in the North Island. Co-operative mining has progressed rapidly on the West Coast, and these mines have secured a number of orders which formerly went to the large companies, because of continuity of supply ensured under the co-operative plan.

During the last six months none of the mines owned by the big companies have been working anything like full time, and if there is a serious hold-up now it is going to mean a very severe loss to all sections.