N.Z. MINERS.

Grey River Argus, 1 September 1927, Page 6

N.Z. MINERS.

Their Organisation. To newcomers, the composition of the Miners’ Organisation in New Zealand is slightly confusing, and a few facts sot out on this page may assist to elucidate matters somewhat. Owing to the failure of the National prganisation to maintain its national agreement in 1921, and its further failure to func tion effectively in the handling of disputes, a re-organisation to meet the changed conditions became imperative and ultimately, in spite of strenuous opposition, became effected, resulting in the formation of three districts as follows:— West Coast District, coni' prising all the mines on the West Coast Northern District, comprising all the mines in the Waikato Field and Hikuriingi. Southern District, comprising all the miners in the Southern District of the South Island. These districts are governed by an elective council com prising a President. Secretary and Treasurer, and a delegate from each union, elected annually. Each District Council has complete autonomy over the district it is comprised of, its function being to negotiate agreements, settle disputes, and generally attend to the industrial welfare of its members. The National Council is composed of a President. Secretary-Treasurer, and five members, two from the Northern and West Coast Districts, and one from the Southern Districts. Its function is to take charge of any dispute or industrial matter that is of a national character. It is for the time being, apparently, subservient to the districts in the question of negotiating agreements with the coal-owners, and ad justing disputes, and has not been called upon in recent years to inter* vene very extensively in district affairs, but as economic conditions change and the demand for the oneminers’ organisation for all workers in the industry and a national agreement becomes the supreme objective, so the National Council will take its rightful place as the central controlling body of the miners’ organisation. Needless to say, even at the present moment, there is plenty of scope for initiative and propaganda, and a national lead could be given in numerous instances that would reflect itself in increased militancy and improved conditions. The newly-elected officials can be trusted to advance a working class viewpoint on all matters pertaining to the mining industry, and in this attitude they will have the solid backing of the rank and file. A directory of the various national and district officials may be of benefit to the membership at large. The National Council President is Mi A. Wood, of Hikurangi. At the present moment the question of allowing the nomination of Mr D. Hayward, of Den niston, for the position of President is before the. National Council. This may necessitate a ballot. The SecretaryTreasurer is Mr A. McLagan, Blackball, and other officers are: West Coast District Council: President, Mr T. Whittle (Denniston); Secretary, Mr W. Balderstonc (Blackball); Treasurer. Mr D. Hayward (Burnett’s Face). Northern District: — President, Mr E. Kerry (Glenaftcn); Secretary-Treas-urer, Mr T. Hall (Rotowaru). Southern District. — Mr Ij. Edmonds (Nightcaps), President; Mr R. Sheddon (Nightcaps) Secretary.