Miners May Suggest Alternative To Cuts

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31907, 7 February 1969, Page 20

Miners May Suggest Alternative To Cuts

(From Our Own Reporter) WESTPORT, February 6. Coalminers in Buller are expected to suggest to the Mines Department an alternative to the nine-day working fortnight which will be introduced on Monday.

The reduction was made because output has greatly exceeded the demand for coal and the department has stockpiled 20,000 tons in the district. About 40 tons of screened coal, usually in good demand, is being stacked daily at Denniston. The reduced demand had been giving cause for concern for some time, said the district superintendent of State mines (Mr T. M. Brazil). The department was unable to proceed with plans to work two new mines at the rear of Deninston by hydraulic methods, because of lack of orders. He denied a report that a main under-colliery, Sullivan’s Mine, was to be closed. It is estimated that almost $125,000 in wages could be lost if the restriction on working hours, which could include “back” Saturday work, continues throughout the year. Shiftmen and truckers will be particularly affected. Mr J. S. Dickson, president

of the Buller Miners Central Committee, said the miners were naturally unhappy about the development, especially because an assurance had been given by the Minister of Mines (Mr Shand) that every effort would be made to provide full employment in Buller mines until the position was made secure with the 900,000-ton annual trade for the coal-fired power station at New Plymouth. He said that the national officers of the union, Mr A. V. Prendiville (president) and Mr J. White (secretary) would meet his committee next week. Afterwards * position might be put to the department to continue the 10-day working fortnight. Mr Dickson said that if they got no satisfaction from local negotiations the miners would consider sending a deputation to see Mr Shand in Wellington.