THE COAL CRISIS

Grey River Argus, 16 September 1918, Page 3

THE COAL CRISIS

PROPOSALS FOIJ SETTLKMENT

SUBMITTED TO UNIONS

BALLOT TO BE TAKEN.

Yesterday the Miners' Unions at Bl.LCKbail, Hoa and ltunanga held meecni^s to consider the proposals tor a bcLiieiueiu of the uispute us to wages, etc, put forward- as the outcome it the recent conference at Wellington attended by the representatives ot the colliery owners and the Miners' Federation. On behalf of the Federation Executive, four members (Messrs O'Rourke, Winnard, Williams and McLaggan) attended each of the meetings and explained the proposals. Besides a wages increase there is, is it is understood, included provision tor a tribunal for settling disputes as they occur.

Generally speaking the proposed settlement met with a favourable rece> tion. but it was decided that in order to reach a definite decision, a ballot .should be taken to obtain a general verdict from all the miners concerned. This ballot, which probably will be held to-night, will be a secret one. It will be taken at the mine mouth.

Messrs Winnard and Williams (Buller representatives will proceed north to-day .and on arival at the Buller coal fields will submit the proposals there to the men. There seems every prospect of a ready and peaceful settlement of the dispute.