I COAL MINE IDLE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 146, 17 December 1937, Page 17

I COAL MINE IDLE

MEN SEEK SUBSIDY

INCREASED BUS FARES

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, December 16,

The McDonald Mins, Huntly, was idle today following a demand by the men employed 'there that .'the operating company, Glen Afton Collieries, Ltd., should meet a recent increase in the workers' bus fare, by granting a -subsidy of 3d.

About 50 of 200 men employed at the mine travel -to and from their homes in Huntly by bus .each .day- and recently the bus fare was increased from 2s to 2s 4d a day. It was understood that the Mines Department would contribute Id and the company was asked to find the Vjalance of 3d. This the company refused to do and the mine iwas rendered idle.

On behalf- of' the- men- the-- Northern Miners'- Union- communicated- with- the Minister, of Mines (the Hon.. P.. C. Webb) and the-secretary of'the-United Mine- Workers!.- Union, Mr. -A\ McLagan.. .

At a meeting this evening- a- telegram from Mr. McLagan- was-read- to the---men. In:this-message-they were= advised to return-to work, and-.they were promised' that- a conference- to- discuss the question in .dispute- would- be- arranged, to^ be- held-, early next' week.

It- is stated- that the. men agreed to resume-work: tomorrow- morning: There seems; little- likelihood-, ofr the- trouble spreading, to other mines-. in\ the-- district; - " • .

It is;, understood- that1 a similar- request in : regard to-meeting-; an:: increase in- bus fare was; made on behalf; of. 50 Ofr'theimen- employed- by Renown Collieries.- Lid., and;. that-company-agreed to- find. 3d. towards- the- increase-,- the balance^ of !ld being promised >as; a subsidy- by- the •■ -Mines;: Department;