ROUND THE MINING CAMPS

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1927, Page 6

ROUND THE MINING CAMPS

Millerton.—The outstanding occurrence in the New Zealand mining field during the past month was the distressing disaster at Millerton, wherein four Company officials who were exploring the fire area, which has been sealed oil for some months, lost their lives. The rid of “junto” smoke- helmets had been enlisted for the occasion, but unfortunately some of the victims were not by any means experienced helmet men, and this undoubtedly had a lot to do with the loss of iife. Magnificent heroism was displayed in the rescue work and at least two of the victims lost their live in an effort to save their fellow-workers. State Mint s. —The annual elections ■ ■■. ] kweighman, committee v the t nt •' the vat b»us offices secure n For some reason or ii.evt .* as made by certain in- ; :• ( at the James Mine to have irate union formed. However, .<• >»’ -.vs discussed in open rs would have none nr is no time to cause • he labouT > h that the workers of New Zealand will have to be unceasingv viligant if present wages and conditions are to be maintained. Marx’s .•logon. •'Workers of the Work! f n j, P ” which is boldly emblazoned oi the Miner* Hall, must ever be oui watch word. Blackball.—The Blackball Miners Union unanimously endorsed the West tion for ar 11-day fortnight for all underground , wages. The Union i opp ‘d to any inter vention in Chinese affairs. Condition* Ineallv are normal. The mine is work ing full time at present, but is fully manned, with a big waiting list. Tnade

. . . . • . is our < hief concern. A fair amount <*f working class litera ture is disposed of. mainly “Workers NVi Melies,’’ and the “Workers Vanguard. ’ ’ Dobson and NVallsend.—Things are very qu his dist rict, and there is no doubt that the unfortunate explosion at Dobson has for the time being had a detrimental effect. It is pleasing to report that the pumps wifi soon be fixed at Dobson amt the unwatering of the mine will be commenced. It is to bo hoped that no difficulties arc encountered, and that the bodies of ;he unfortunate victims will soon be recovered. The NVallsend Mine at tl “ present time stems to be hampered for want of capital, but th-* Directors are hopeful that this difficultv will s<»on he overcome. Roa.—Quite a lot of friction over tri vial matter- has occurred at this mine recently, n< ither si 1< being altogether blameless. The Directors have seen tit to correspond with the union, and are evidently inclined to take a serious' view of the ?r i ter. The members of I the Uuic i .11 j i ally contend that there] is a I"’ t ■ be aid from their point cf view and ; hopeful that a free interchange of views will (dear the horizon. 1 h ’. nr I i artmont. as usual, have I * ’nt-' their stride quickly, and are C ' ’ th- . ‘.nion that a stiff . . • a’ < u> all the more subserv • t th wishes of the boss. Even; ’ g tii ".' --.'ured a conviction,l ,ui I if! objective, “Indus-J , ' v d not be attained by, R-d'uve a miner or any • I ' r a • ‘ fiver ’ ’ per the • .-t and you immediate- 1 i The be’te! wav ' . ’ - th - ontemplated prosecuwiihdrawn, and the Union' nent to agri e to r-f-r any; nmd be settled b'cally; : r i s < ’ mmitteo. • t Denniston ■ ' his •. n unanimousivl '• i.- on that all j ... . . - > t.ci on 'day wages work a maximum of eleven days per fortnight The view taken at Dennis ten is that . general trade union principle 14 involved in a snorter working week, and that the miners, being ini the vanguard of the industrial move meat, should lead the way. Dire disaster was predicted by the NVestport Qoal Company when the live days coal producing policy was operated, but their prodi- tions have been torpedoed. No reduction in production has occurred, .ami the Denniston miners would fake non:e persuading to go back to the old i;< editions. It goes without saying that nnce the shiftmen in the Buller and Gr< • districts g< t a taste of an idle ] j\ Saturday, they will appreciate the change. This Union completely chdnrscd the circular of Win National re <4 Hands off Chi'i.a.’’ Since then, we have had a visit from the District Member, Mr H. E. Holland. M.P., who spoke on the| same subject. There is no doubt about, It that tin* worker* on Denniston Hill lave no quarrel with the Chinese workers. Goodness knows the struggle for exi ten* ■ in New Zealand is keen enough. How the Chinese exist is a mvstery. yet the Imperialists waut to still further exploit them. Shag Point. —This Union 1 in com munication with the National office relative to a new agreement. As ours is the worst in New Zealand, we trust that some improvement in our existing conditions will be obtained. Nightcaps.—The District Union has been attempting to negotiate a settlement of the Black Diamond trouble, tmt tilth . H iu trying to effect a ettlement, we were unnd tl ciap is -till on. Thor ■ a growing opinion that the Coal Owners’ Association are making .■ nil • attempt to cause di- .i.t: n .«i 1 ur ranks and worsen condition. ami th-dr miws will have to tched Phe lock-out at v been going for 0 ‘ . Th . oui owners admit that

the owners of the Black Diamond Colliery are iu the wrung, but claim to be helpless in the matter. “The sanctity oi agreements’’ about which the Piute press and the Employers Association prate so much, is purely violated. Had the miners been the guilty’ parties, edi-

torials galore of condemnation would have geen written, and the Labour Department detectives would have had their victims fined months ago. Kiatangata.—This mining township is in a sorry plight, and so far no success has attended a lot of effort made on our behalf by the Labour Party and the Alliance of Labour in trying to commit the Government to staud surety for our lost wages. Quito a number have left for other mining districts in the hope of securing work. The Minister of Labour has placed a number on the public works, but the residents are becaming pessimistic as to the prospects lot the mine re-Gpening. Kiatangata I coal is nut able to compete with the

superior class of lignite being mined in the Nightcaps district, and has met the general fate of the inferior article, Word has been received in Kiatangata from an ex-Kiatangata miner that clearances issued by the Kiatangata Miners’ Union arc not too popular in other mining districts and that oui failure to join the NaTional organisation has brought, upon us a certain amount of discredit. Northern District.—Comrades Va Curran and Alec Wood report that con 'ditions are none too good in the North ern district, and that with the exceptioi of Glenafton, the mines are working v6ry irregularly’. Nc.twithsianding thi; fact, a constant stream of workers an looking for work, and the bosses an attempting to exploit the situation. Th< various Miners Unions consequently ar* getting a good share of grievances t( handle.