THE COAL SHORTAGE

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 February 1920, Page 5

THE COAL SHORTAGE

PAPAROA MINE

MEN LEAVE DISTRICT

HALL PIANO SOLD

SICK FUNDS DIVIDED

The long series of disputes at the Paparba Mine between the men and the management lias at length come to a crisis. The mine has been closed and declared “black” by the Union.

The men are evidently decided not to work again, for they have sold their hall piano, divided the sick and accident fund, and broken up their homes. The Paparoa Mine has been extremely unfortunate, and has had more than its share of industrial unrest —there were eight disputes last rear.

It is hoped that the matter will he fully investigated, and "an amicable settlement arrived at. Paparoa produces good coal, which can he ill-spared at the present time.

THE COAL CONFERENCE

PREMIER WORKING OVERTIME. (Special to the Star.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The coal conference was interfered With yesterday /owing to the Premier winy lias been working practically' double office hours, having to attend a. conference of meat producers. Me met the miners, and owners in the evening, but did nob consider there would he a possibility of concluding the business at one sitting. A SERIOUS POSITION. fP«r Press Assooistion.) "WELLINGTON. This Day. The position in Wellington and adjacent districts as regards coal supplies is becoming most acute. •1 he result of the Coal Conference now silling is awaited with deep in ((‘rest, ft is expected that the conference will end to-day, though it is possible that the discussion may he prolonged into next week.

A member of flip Coal Trade Coinrnitlee states lhat his greatest ■worry was to keep essential industries going. The South African coal reeently received by the ‘‘Ar.o’onne" was giving sntisfaeCnn ns strain coal. It had been distributed as far north as New Plymouth and Napier, mostly for the meat and dairying’ industries. The General Mamayev of Pailways states that great (Tiffieultv is experienced in getting supplies, and that those obtained have to be used in the most careful manner in order to keen the services going to the best possible effect. MEAT PRODUCERS. THEIR DIFFICULTIES. « (Special to Star.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A resolution ■was adopted by the Meat Producers Conference 'relative tn the shipping situation, and the end of commandeer were placed before the Premier this afternoon. “What they asked tor was quite reasonable,” remarked Mr. Massey, “and I iw>as able to gire. them information) v:eigarding shipping which they had not possessed. Questioned as to whether his information cleared up the anxiety, Mr. Massey said: “'I would not like to that altogether.”

EXD OF IMPERIAL BUYING

'Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Feb. 20. The conference called by the Board of Agriculture to consider shipping- prospects and arrangements for the marketing- of New Zealand produce after the endingof the Imperial contracts sat again yesterday, and subsequently interviewed the Prime Minister. Mr Massey had intended to attend the conference, but had been detained at the Coal Conference. The interview. was private. The Prime Minister informed a reporter later that the deputation had handed, him the resolutions adopted by the conference, and had made some requests, which he regarded as reasonable. Their requests involved assistance for producers in meeting difficulties arising from the ending- of the commandeer, and the congested state of the ( old stores. r l lie deputation wanted the stores cleared in time for t lie reception of next season’s prouiicg, <vticl it suggested oortoin other measures that might be necessary nr desirable. He had been able to give the delegates information that would be useful to them.