ROA MINE.

Grey River Argus, 13 September 1920, Page 3

ROA MINE.

QUESTION OF DEPUTIES HEWING COAL. AN EXPLANATION. The folowing letter on the above subject explains itself: — (To the Editor.) Sir,— Will you kindly allow mo space in your valuable paper to contradict a statement which appeared recently in the "Argus," where it stated the Deputies of Roa Mine had hewn coal, which had been sent to different parts of the Coast. I might say that a complaint was sent to Grey Branch, of tho Grey and Buller Deputies and Underviewers Association by Mr W. Wild, Secretary of, the Roa Miners Union, and was fully dealt witli at a large and representative meeting. The Roa deputies and 'T|ndervicw wore present, and absolutely denied the charge, Mr Taylor

- stating ho would donate £10 to the Grey River, Hospital if one ton of coal had been loaded from mo JBinns which, the Roa deputies had filled. He explained that while standing, a creep J had taken place, which necessitated i J brushing coal down to give height, I and had filled it to run the rope to get timber to secure the roof. Other members present asserted they were told by an Excutive member of the Miners' Federation that? «o dispute existed between the Management of the Roa Mine and Miners' Federation, so, in order to get first hand information, Mr Arbuckle was written on the matter, when a special meeting of tho Grey Valley Deputies Union was convinced to deal with same. After careful consideration, Mr James Scott, of Blackball, and myself were deputed to visit Roa mine and report thereon, as well as interview Mr Bayne (General Manager). We went into all particulars very carefully and pointed out what Mr Taylor had stated — "That the coal was brushed for height, and filled so that tho ropo could run to bring up the necessary timber to secure the roof," and a statement that no coal had boon filled for 3 .weeks or, more. Wo interviewed Mr Bayne, and he stated when the Roa minors ceased work there were 170 tons of coal in the Binns and SO tons on the rope road, which had been filled by the minors, and which he rightly contended could be used as he thought best. He stated he could have sen? the con 3 to Greymouth for shipment ,but in case it might cause complications, decided it should stay in the Binns. However, owing, to coal shortage in the district, and in order to get timher for repair work, a few tons had been supplied to local customers, which had caused tho attempt to blemish the fair name of the Deputies of Road mine. I might state here that the understanding existing between the Grey and Buller Deputies' Association and the Employers' Federation is that during an Industrial dispute or stoppage of any kind, the deputies will keep the mine in repair, and, if necessary, how coal for boilers for power purposes; but on no account will coal bo got for marketable purposes. Mr Bayne realises tho true position, anil told the deputation that, rather than break that understanding, ho would bo prepared to leave the' ™rk stand until tho mine re-open-od. Hoping, Sir, I have not encroached too much on yotrr valuable space. I am, etc., J. ROWSE. Sec Grey Valley Deputies' Union.