GO-SLOW IN MINES

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 114, 9 February 1944, Page 4

GO-SLOW IN MINES

State Undertakings At Runanga

OTHERS SATISFACTORY (By Telegraph.—-Press Association GREYMOUTH. February 8.

The production at the two Runanga district State mines. Strongman and James, was still at the reduced rate yesterday of ;i"proximately two-thirds of the usual production figures, indicating that the “go-slow” method’ continues. There has fortunately been no spread of the action to the other district mines, the production of which is being maintained at a most creditable level. It is understood that the Under-Secretary of the Mines Department. Mr. C. 11. Benney, will pay an early visit to Greymouth relative to mining matters.

DENNISTON MINE IDLE May Not Be Worked Today (By Teipgraph.—Press Association.) WESTPORT, February 8. The Westport Coal Company’s Denniston mine was idle today, and there is no agreement to start tomorrow. Because of a scarcity of empty trucks ou Monday the miners came out with the wet-time shift, allegedly contrary to the agreement. As there was no work for them the truckers were sent home, but the truckers claimed payment for a full shift, which the management refused as contrary to the agreement. After a stopwork meeting today all the men returned home.

COAL PREFERRED , Appeal For Men For Gold Mine

Dominion Special Service.

AUCKLAND, February 8.

In view of the shortage of men for coal mining, the Minister of Industrial Manpower. Mr. MeLagan. has stated that there is very little possibility of skilled miners being directed to Waihi for work in the Martha mine. Making this statement in answer to representations made' through Mr. Thorn, M.P., relative to the urgent need of experienced miners by the Martha Gold Mining Co.. Ltd., the Minister pointed out. with regard to the suggestion of the diversion of labour from Karilpiro. that any skilled miner there would, in the public interest, be diverted to coal mining rather than to emnloyment in a gold mine. The mine superintendent, Mr. A. F. Lowrie. stated that the need of experienced miners was desperate, and he emphasized the importance of being able to proceed with development, work- as affecting the future production of the mine.

WEST COAST BARS Further Shoaling At Greymouth (By Telegraph.—Press Association,) GREYMOUTH, February 8. In spite of a fresh of four knots in the Grey River last week, which it was hoped would have improved the bar, heavy seas have accentuated the shoaling. Soundings taken on Saturday, though not accurate because of the rough sea, indicated that a foot has been lost on both inner and outer bars, giving a low water depth of 7ft. on the inner bar, or 17ft. at high water. Heavy seas were still running yesterday and the steamer Rata, which has been tied up for over a week, is still unable to sail for Wellington. ■ With the Grey bar continuing to be unjj'orkable, large tonnages of coal are still being railed to Westport for shipping. On Saturday everting one train took 450 tons. Another 240 tons went forward on Sunday, and 700 tons were scheduled for consignment yesterday. The swell on the Westport bar on Saturday morning had fallen sufficiently to allow vessels to cross it. and four ships which had been waiting in the roadstead entered port. Two which had been delayed were able to leave.