MINERS' STRIKE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 238, 8 October 1935, Page 9

MINERS' STRIKE.

WAIHI STOPPAGE

SIX HUNDRED MEN IDLE

SETTLEMENT EFFORTS FAIL.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WAIHI, this day,

No mine whistle sounded at Wailii this morning. The wheels of industry ceased to revolve at midnight and Wailii awoke to-day to realise the grim fact that it is faced with the experience of another—though legal—industrial strike, which involves some 4000 residents, as well as the Waikino community. No reply was received yesterday from the Martha Gold Mining Company in answer to the Ohinemuri Mines and Batteries Union's proposals, though it was hoped up to the eleventh hour that the union's request would be acceded to, and the serious consequence of a strike averted. Comparatively speaking, only a few men went on afternoon shift yesterday, as it was apparent that a strike was inevitable. The men took the opportunity yesterday of taking home their working clothes f.'om the change house at the mine. Some 000 men, including those at Waikino, are idle to-day. Communication With Mr. Forbes. The Mayor, Mr. W. M. Wallnutt, is communicating with the Prime Minister, Mi*. Forbes, to-day, suggesting that a conference between representatives of the interested parties, prosided over either by the Minister of Labour, Mr. Hamilton, or the Minister of Mines, Mr. Macinillan, should be arranged to take place immediately at Auckland or Wailii, in view of the seriousness of the position and the probability of the strike sproading, which would prove a national calamity. The Mayor states that prompt action 011 the part of tlte Government is essential, and that if it is considered necessary he will later convene a mass meeting of citizens to consider what steps should be taken to meet the position in the interests of the community generally. No work whatever is proceeding at the mine to-day, and pumping ceased some time ago. Miners arc now commencing to come into town, and it is expected that the streets will be crowded late this afternoon. The Union's Proposals. The following is the text of the proposals submitted by the union and subunions to the company and subsequently to the mass meeting held 011 Sunday: — "Wages.—Delegates are instructed to sign a new industrial agreement 011 the lines of the wages schedule in operation before the 10 per cent cut was made in 11)31. The agreement to be retrospective as from the formation of the Martha Company in May last.

"Contracts. —The union is prepared to accept the company's offer on the basis of the present arrangement, namely 1/4 per day bonus, together with the prices set down for specified standard jobs in connection with coutrncts."

The above was submitted to the company 011 Sunday 011 the understanding that if the latter approved of the same work would proceed as usual. Union officials stated yesterday that the company's Waikino battery had ceased work and that drilling machines and explosives had been brought to the surface during the day. During the process of bringing horses up ill a cage from underground one of the animals fell 011 a spike and had to be destroyed. Conference This Afternoon. The superintendent of the Martha Mine, Mr. 11. W. Hopkins, representing Mr. R. G. Milligan, the New Zealand director, will meet the union's representatives in the Borough Chambers this afternoon, when it is undcrstool certain proposals with a view to settlement of the dispute will be submitted by Mr. Hopkins and the position discussed generally.