MINERS' WAGES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 87, 13 April 1933, Page 7

MINERS' WAGES.

EXISTING AGREEMENT.

ASSOCIATION'S VIEW.

An announcement that no action had been taken by the New Zealand Coal Mine Owners' Association to suggest any variation of the existing agreement with the Huntly miners was made to-day by Colonel W. D. Holgate, president of the association. "I was not aware of the object of the meeting of miners held at Huntly yesterday until I read the statement this morning that Renown Collieries, Ltd., was asking for a concession on the rate of wages paid," said Colonel Holgate. "I might state that the existing agreement was entered into between the Coal Mine Owners' Association and the Miners' District Union on behalf of the following companies: Glen Afton, Hikurangi, Pukemiro, Taupiri and Renown. It was to commence from February 1, 1933,. and remain in force until January 31, 1934 —an agreement duly signed by both parties, "Naturally the miners will expect the agreement to be carried out in its entirety. With reference to Wilton Collieries, which 'is reported to have obtained a wages concession, it should be clearly understood that this company is not a meniber of the association, and made its own independent agreement. "What about the so-called 'coal war 2 Colonel Holgate was asked. "I- know of no actual 'coal war, ne replied. "Prior to two years ago there was a certain amicable understanding amongst the coal mine owners as to the price of coal-sold at the mines. That was in force for some years. About two years ago one company broke loose and reduced the price of coal by 2/ a ton, which was followed by a general, cuttinw of prices. This has been more or less* continued until the present time, when the prices have been cut even below the cost of production.'