STILL WAITING

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 43, 19 August 1918, Page 7

STILL WAITING

MINERS' OFFICIALS IN WEL.

LINGTON.

Mr. P. O'Eourko (National President of the Miners' Federation) and Mr. R. Sample (men's agent) arrived ,in Wellington from the West Coast yesterday, in connection with, the deadlock which has arisen over the miners' demands for a2O per cent, increase in wages. Mr. W. Parry (national secretary) arrived by tho Main Trunk train to-day, and the three officials discussed tho position as it now stands. • Mr. Semple informed a. I'ost reporter that there was nothing now to be said. The result of the secret ballot taken at the mines throughout the Dominion \vould probably be announced

to-morrow

Speaking to a Ohristchurch Sun representative before coming North, Mr. Semple said the federation had exhausted every means possible to prevent an industrial spheariii. T.h» miners wore more determined on the issue, and there whs greater unanimity iv their ranks thaii ever before. Tliey were still hopeful that Cabinet would act courageously and rise to the occasion by compelling; the representatives of the coal^owners to ■pursue a moro conciliatory policy. Tho executive had absolute confidence in tho justice, of: 1-the federation's claim, and felt mat, il. tho interest of the general eoßununitv, $&§ cms. should be. argued

out. and not fought out. In reply to a, question, Mr. Semple said that he was not prepared; to give the exact figures, .but he would I'say that the resiilt of the ballot in the Buller and Grey districts was amazing, and a crushing reply ,to the coa-l-ownere' statement that- the federation had no authority to seek tho increase asked for.