MINERS’ STRIKE AT MILLERTON

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23264, 26 February 1941, Page 10

MINERS’ STRIKE AT MILLERTON

UNION TO CONSIDER NEW PROPOSAL PROVISION FOR RESUMING WORK [From Our Own Reporter.] WESTPORT, February 25. Millerton miners did not work today, but advice was received from Mr A McLagan, secretary of the Miners’ Federation, that a conference between Mr O. Bishop (representing the mine owners), Mr C. Strongman (Mines Department), and himself, decided if the men resume work an official of the Mines Department will inspect the area objected to and make a reA meeting of the Millerton Miners’ Union will be held to-morrow to decide whether or not work should.be resumed pending an inspection. Officials of the Westport Coal Company told ‘‘The Press” to-day that the first advice the management had of the strike was when the men did not start work on Monday. It was also said that a conference had been held some time ago on working conditions in the section under dispute, and that the company considered that a satisfactory arrangement had been agreed on. Therefore it came as a surprise that the Miners’ Union had decided to go out on strike. There is no confirmation that me Hon. P, C. Webb has been advised of the strike, IMPROVEMENTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE STATEMENT FROM MANAGER OF COMPANY [THE PRESS Special Service.] DUNEDIN, February 25. Describing the dispute at Millerton colliery as a “stoppage,” Mr W A. Flavell, general manager of the Westport Coal Company, said to-day that heated conditions had arisen at the mine creek section, the "third west’ section, and the question of reducing the hours of work was referred to the Coal Miners’ Council, which existed for the purpose of settling disputes. The council gave a decision reducing the hours of work ;n certain circumstances, he said, but the miners had refused to accept the decision. It was understood that the men had referred the matter to the Miners’ Federation. Mr Flavell said that existing conditions in the mine would be improved as soon as another fan could be installed. and that would be done ?.s early as possible.

STOPPAGE OF WORK

REPORTED DISPUTE ON PAYMENT SYSTEM

WESTPORT, February 25. A strike has occurred at the HydroWestport Coal Mine, Seddonville, affecting 18 men. It is believed th&t the subject in dispute is payment by contract or day labour, on which question the miners themselves appear to have divided opinions.