BLACKBALL MINE IDLE

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23447, 30 September 1941, Page 8

BLACKBALL MINE IDLE

DIFFICULTY IN DISPOSING OF SLACK COAL CF.0.0.R.j GREYMOUTH, Sept. 29. Because of the continuing difficulty of disposing of slack coal, the Blackball State mine was idle again to-day and will be idle to-morrow. Only seven shifts have been worked in the last three weeks, eight days out of 15 being lost, and the two days at least this week will make it extend the lost time. Prospects for work during the remainder of the week are not bright. The slack coal, wifh a high sulphur content, is difficult to market, and this, coupled with shipping difficulties, has been responsible for the short time worked. A fortnight’s notice of the termination of their employment will be given to-morrow to 14 single men employed at the mine, because of the position which has arisen. This is expected to bring down production from 280 tons daily to 200 tons, and it is thereby hoped to remedy the present difficulty. These men will be absorbed in other State mines in the district which provide gas-producing coal. Blackwatcr Mine Resumes The Blackwater quartz mine at Waiuta resumed work this morning, following idleness for two whole days and two half-days last week. The stoppage followed a dispute over the wages for one man, and the mine was idle while the negotiations for a settlement took place between the union and the company. A settlement was reached on Thursday, but the mine did not resume until to-day.