PARTIES CONFER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 160, 8 July 1932, Page 5

PARTIES CONFER.

MINISTER MAKES PROPOSAL OFFER OF ASSISTANCE. MOVE FOR SETTLEMENT. <By Telegraph.—Special to " star.") WELLINGTON, thie day. A. more hopeful outlook concerning tile possibility of a settlement of the Northern coal mines' dispute was indicated by delegates to the conference, called by the Minister of Labour, at the conclusion of the preliminary proceedings to-day. An endeavour is being made to arrive at a settlement this afternoon so that the delegates may return to their districts to-night. Discussion is proceeding in private. In addition to the representatives of the Northern coal mines which are affected and of the Miners' District Council there were also present members of the National Council of Mine Workers, but it was stated that they had merely come along to listen a<f.l •were taking no part in the deliberations. The preliminary session lasted about an hour. The Minister of Labour, the Hon. A. Hamilton, pointed out that the Government was concerned about the failure of the parties to agree, and said that although it was a Northern district dispute It might have iar-reacning consequences unless it was settled. The conference had been called under the Labour Disputes Investigation Act in a final endeavour to reach a settlement.

Outlining the procedure, Mr. Hamilton offered the services of the Conciliation Commissioner to act as chairman, if so desired- If the parties could not agree on the selection of a chairman the Government wished to suggest the appointment of an arbitrator from either side, these two gentlemen to appoint an independent chairman and their decision to be accepted by both sides. The Minister referred to the necessity for the settlement of the dispute in the public interest and remarked that there "were sufficient troubles in the country at present without adding to them. If the conference broke down the Government -would have to do its duty. The Government's desire, however, was to eee a peaceful conclusion, and it was not endeavouring to force peace at any price. The trouble involved the possibility of the stoppage of mines, which might necessitate tTie Government importing coal to enable the country to carry on, but that was very undesirable. The Minister concluded with an appeal in the miners to assist in arriving at an agreement which would aid in the reduction of the cost of coal to consumers, and also urged the owners to forego any conditions which might be Tory objectionable from the miners' point of view but did not materially effect the price of coal. After some discussion an adjournment iras taken till 2 p.m. to enable the miners' delegates to frame counterproposals to the terms submitted by the owners in Auckland.