GOLD MINERS’ WAGES

Evening Star, Issue 22805, 13 November 1937, Page 28

GOLD MINERS’ WAGES

THAMES AND COROMANDEL DISPUTE [Peb United Press Association.} AUCKLAND, November 32. Sixteen gold mining companies in the Thames and Coromandel district ■were cited in a dispute heard in the Arbitration Court when the Thames Miners’ Union applied for an award containing provision for higher wages and different conditions of work. A number of clauses had been agreed to in previous discussions, including one that the maximum number of hours a week should be 40. The Talisman Dnbbo Gold Mining Company was named as the principal respondent, Mr M. H. Wynyard appearing on its behalf and for the other companies. Mr J. Roberts represented the union. • It was disputed whether a 40-hour week should) be worked over five or six days, the companies claiming the right of Saturday work. The difficulty met with in mining in the Thames district as compared with other districts was claimed to give the men rights which had not been embodied in previous agreements, and the dangerous nature of-the workings-was emphasised by a number of witnesses. Rupert liouslow, af' mirier in the Talisman Dubbo mine, said the country about the mine was very Totten, and mining was dangerous, with accidents prevalent. At present 15 per cent, of the employees on the payroll were on accident pay. In some respects the mine was good. _ ' Because the time was short, each party agreed to put hT statements later to. the court. This concluded the hearing of the. whole gold mining dispute, whjch had occupied four days.