STATE COAL MINES

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 274, 13 August 1920, Page 6

STATE COAL MINES

STILL IDLE THE DEPARTMENT'S CONCESSIONS "What is tho position now at the Stato coal mines?" nsked Air. Holland (Buller) in tho House of Representatives yesterday. Work hud not yet been resumed at the mines, he said, and the country was losing coal at the rate of 4000 tons a week, although, tho demands of the men had been accepted by the local manager. Mr. Massey replied that the position at that moment was that the miners wero enjoying themselves at tlte English football match. The train fares had been amended to suit the miners. The. abolition of the "back shift" had been agreed to in order to overcome another of the difficulties. This would mean that the niine would have to be slopped on soino days so that the repairs formerly done by the back shift at night might be effected in thte day time. The difference between the parties in regard to the railway time-table was now five minutes. The Department had incurred additional expenditure to the extent of £1000 a year, but the men had not yet resumed ■ work. He had instructed the manager of the State coal mines to proceed to the spot and try to effect a settlement.