NO COAL HEWN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 197, 20 August 1940, Page 3

NO COAL HEWN.

TAUPIRI MINE.

PROLONGED UNION MEETING.

Owing to the monthly stop-work meeting of the Taupiri coal mine being prolonged this morning, the men did not go to work when the business was coneluded, and the mine was practically idle for the day. About 300 men were involved. According to the secretary of the Northern Miners' Union, Mr. T. Hall, work will be resumed to-morrow. The manager of the mine, Mr. J. Watson. said this afternoon that the men held a meeting when they arrived at the mine, and when it was over the majority of the men returned to their homes, insufficient men remaining to man the mine. The meeting, as far as he could ascertain, was confined purely to union business aud had nothing to do with the mine itself. He considered that the position had no aspects of gravity and that the men would be at work as usual tomorrow. Mr. Watson said that the Government had set up a Mines Council with a view to disputes being promptly dealt with, but so far no local committees had been appointed in the North Island, as was recommended by the council. "Coal is urgently needed, and the effect of any stoppage of work is keenly felt," be added. When interviewed by telephone Mr. Hall said that the agreement under which the men were working provided for a_ monthly stop-work meeting, and it was usual to hold it in the afternoon. The Taupiri men had decided to hold their meeting this morning, and, as the business was prolonged, the men bad considered it not worth while turning to. Tliey would be back on their jobs tomorrow'. "It was genuine business the men were- discussing," he added.