WAIKATO MINES STRIKE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25148, 1 April 1947, Page 6

WAIKATO MINES STRIKE

NO INDICATIONS OF SETTLEMENT SITUATION REPORTED UNCHANGED (P.A.) AUCKLAND, March 31. Nothing occurred in Huntly to-day to indicate an early end to the Waikato coal mines strike. The executive of the Northern Miners’ Union met this morning, but its officials had nothing to say after the meeting. It is understood that no further word has been received from the Prime Minister (Mr P. Fraser) since his message on Saturday warning the union of the grave effects of a continued strike, nor has the executive communicated with Mr Fraser since yesterday afternoon, when it advised him of the decision of the meeting to stay on strike. There is no hope of work resuming to-morrow in the seven underground and four open-cast mines put out of production. Miners waiting in the street this morning for news of fresh developments were told by executive members after the meeting that there was no change to report. It is still evident that many of the I*oo workers on strike want to see an end to the stalemate and return to work. It is pointed out that although the mass meeting decided almost unanimously to continue the strike, no more than 500 unionists were present, and it is understood that only 310 voted, 300 being in favour of the strike. It is considered that if the issue had been decided by secret ballot, and not by a show of hands, the margin would not have been so great. Even if the miners go back to work this week there will be little improvement in the coal supply until 4ifter Easter. According to their agreement, miners must be given a fortnight’s notice if they are required to work on the statutory holidays of Good Friday and Easter Monday. They have received no request. Unless Government intervention brings a change there is no likelihood of any work over Easter. Miners who agree to work on those two days receive double time, in addition to their daily rate of pay. During the week the total loss of coal production has mounted to more than 16,000 tons. A small co-operative mine in Huntly West and a privatelyowned mine in the Whatawhata district are the only two mines working. The Whatawhata mine, with an output of about 40 tons a day, is supplying the Horotiu freezing works, the Hamilton Hospital, and domestic consumers in Hamilton.