THE SOUTHERN COAL-MINERS.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14409, 17 July 1912, Page 11

THE SOUTHERN COAL-MINERS.

(SPECIAL TO "THE PRESS.'")

DUXEDIN. July IC. The proprietors of the Green Island collieries have received the men's reference as to their demands for an increase in wages and improved conditions. The demands as a whole ar>> practically similar to those put forward by the Kaitangata miners—an increase in hewing rates, a rise-of 2s 6d per day for shiftmen, and the taking over o? the trucking by the employers. It is thought that the parties concerned will bo able to come to an agreement without seriously disturbing a trade which provides reasonably good returns for both sides.

When asked this morning if the dancer of a strike by the coal-miners of Otago was over, an official of tho union said it would be idiocy to"strike at tho present time owing to .the- fact that they had given to the public tho best weapon possessed by, the men—coal. Ho mentioned that tho Federation Union would take a ballot of'the men in order to determine the strength of each of the opposing .unions. He was of the opinion, too, that tho very fact of tho' Federation, receiving a- check would show to the men the need of establishing perfect "unity. Meanwhile representatives of the Kaitangata Union (Arbitration) are conferring with the employers with a view to arriving at a satisfactory agreement as to wages for and conditions of labour. •

•The rush in the coal .trades has slackened, the public apparently taking it for granted that" tho recent menace from a-strike of Otago miners has been dispersed.