SETTLED!

Grey River Argus, 29 May 1925, Page 5

SETTLED!

THE STOCKTON DISPUTE. AGREEMENT TERMS. COMPLETE VICTORY FOR NIGHTCAPS MEN. Mi M. Balderstone, Secretary of the West Coast Miners’ Council inform, ed an “Argus” reporter j-esterday morning that the Stockton Mine dispute had. been definitely settled. The terms of the settlement are that the sub_station hands are to be employed according to seniority, and the rate of pay is to be eighteen shillings and threep-nee per shift. The Union has thus achieved a straightout win on the question of seniority, and on the matter of rates of pay a compromise was effected. The settlement means that the electing of an independent Chairman to settle the dispute has been dispensed with, and work is to be resumed forthwith. Word was also received to the effect that the Nightcaps has, too, been settled, resulting in a complete victory for the men on all points. THE SETTLEMENT SATISFACTORY - (Special to “Argua.”) MILLERTON, May 28. " ■J lie stockton mine trouble has been settled. Work was resumed to-day. I It is understood that a satisfactory ' settlement has been arranged, the meiT getting a win. THE MANAGER S SIDE OF THE CASE. (To the Editor).. • it, I must l ike strong exception to the deliberate and misleading state, ments made, in your issue of 26th in_staut, regarding the further trouble at , Stockton Colliery. You state that “tho. manager is breaking all the agreements' that Mere arrived at by the Disputed Committee recently.” I give this an emphatic denial. The Disputes Com. anittee’s findings were five in number viz.— ’ (1) That a wage of 25/- per day for two days (Thursday and Satur. day) be paid to J. Luke, without prejudice by the Westport. -Stockton Coal Company, Ltd. (-) That the Unions will allow all I coal on tho road at the end of a fortnight or weekly period to go into the following week or fortnight. (3) That men starting on last day of week or pay, work on day rate if mutually arranged by the manager or underviewer. - (4) That Archer’s wages remain as at present until another Disputes Committee is set up and decides this matter. (5) That Companies agree to pay dog watch rate to any men who may be required to start work bd| tween the hours of 10 p.m. and. 6a.m. ”.

Clauses two and three to apply to all mines in this district.

As regards Clauses 1,2, 3 and 5 the Company has already observed these in their fullest meaning. As regards Clause 4, the Second Disputes Committee met on 20th instant, but came to no decision on matters in dispute, all questions being referred t 9. still another Disputes Committee with, a neutral Chairman. This latter Committee has not met so far, therefore ths Company cannot possibly have broken 'this clause of the above findings. J hope you will publish this letter as ‘a mere act of justice. I am etc.— G. TOWNSEND, •■•heral Manage*. Christchurch, May 27.