DENNISTON NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 28 March 1928, Page 7

DENNISTON NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Miners’ Union.—A general meeting of the Denniston Miners’ Union took place at the Miners’ Hall on Sunday, and was one of the most satisfactorily attended for some considerable time, Mr W. Coppersmith (President) being in the Chair. The minutes of the previous general meeting were adopted on the motion of Mr H. Arneson, seconded by Mr Arch. Della way, and the minutes of the last Executive and also of a special meeting held by the Committed were adopted on the resolution of Mr F. Elhers, seconded by Mr D. Hamilton. A communication from the L.R.C., Westport, requesting the Union’s assistance towards the Labour Party’s Head Office Fund, and suggesting a benefit picture entertainment. This proposal did not receive the general support of the members, many of whom remarked that the sum which would be realised would not be worth while. The Chairman in a concise manner set out the ease for the call. He said that the organisation was affiliated with the New Zcland Party, and that it was their duty to support the appeal, and he felt that it would not fall on deaf ears, because of the fact, that every worker realised that everything depended on the representation they had in the House what legislation would bo made in their regard. If they hesitated to support the Party, it would go to the wall. They had not only the vested interests but also the c futalist press to fight, and if they wished to maintain that link which bound them with the brotherhood to the Political Labour Party of New Zealand, they should support the fund so as to make it possible for them to contest every seat possible. The meeting was in accord with the chairman in all his remarks, and the only difficulty was as to how best to help. It was finally decided on the motion of Air T. Dellaway, seconded by Air H. Arneson and carried by an overwhelming majority, to strike a levy of a shilling on the members of the Union. During the discussion on the question sonic very fine, expressions of loyalty came from the mooting.

A reply from the Local Management was read dealing with matters which had been brought before it for adjustment. A most satisfactory finding was committed to the meeting as practically every request of deputations had been acceeded to. This correspondence was received with much satisfaction by the meeting. The matter of the transport of the mine workers to the scene of their day’s work was next dealt with. Considerable dissatisfaction exists with many residents at Burnett’s Face in regard to certain conditions contained in the agreement between the Weseport Coal Company and the Union. They pointed out that they will be at a loss in several directions, among which are a loss on tonnage rates, walking time, roundabout travelling to their places from their homes and also the creating of falling values in their house properties. Mr I). Hayward remarked that every worker at Burnett’s Face was owner of his home. Considerable discussion ensued as to whether the proposals drafted between the Company and the Union had ever been definitely ratified by the Union, the consensus of opinion being that it had been. The Chairman invitefl free discussion on the question. This was availed of, and it was finally decided to set up a special committee to go thoroughly into the matter, in such a manner as to relieve any or all from any hardship or loss. Their finding is to be presented at a special general meeting to deal with the matter finally and then approach the Company with a view of having the arrangement with them amended to suit the situation which has arisen. The resolution of the meeting was “That the compulsory clause cease at a reasonable point, to be decided upon, and, if the necessity arises, that men may use both mine mouths. Embodied in the resolution was the following recommendation: —TII a t a committee consisting of two representatives of the men at Both Burnett’s Face and Denniston collaborate with two members of the Executive, including the President and Secretary as exofficio members. The resolution was carried by a big majority, only two of those present failing to vote for the proposition. This resolution was proposed by Mr 1). Hayward and the addendum by Mr D. Hamilton. Messrs

Collinson and R. Andrews will represent Burnett’s Face on the special committee and Messrs D. Hamilton and Geo Cummings, Denniston,. Those from the Executive will be Alessrs J. Morrow and J. Longmuir. The matter of miners coming out on a six hours shift has been settled insofar as their truckers are concerned. The management have agreed if due notice is givn them that the miner is coming out, to find other work for the trucker for the balance of his shift, two hours. It was decided to advise the Management that the Union had decided to work on Good Friday, taking in lieu of it the Tuesday following. It was explained that, by ceasing work on Thursday night for the holidays, it was difficult to leave the district owing to the sacred day following. This conclusion was arrived at unanimously. Some discussion ensued on the Union’s representation on the Grey River Argus Paper Board. It was held that direct representation should be held by the Denniston Miners’ Union. Finally, after the position of the Coni pany was explained, it was decided to appoint Air W. V. Hanstock to act on behalf of the Union, and that he bring back from the Board’s meeting a full and concise report of the position. A matter which was dealt with at some length was the existence of a party working on the tribute or cooperative system at the New Cascade Aline. This mine must not be confused with one of a similar name under the management of the Westport Coal Coy, although the miners, apart from the tribute party under the direction of Mr Moynahan, are members of the Denniston Miners’ Union. It-appears that during the kite dry spell those not of the tribute party were knocked off owing, it was stated by the management, to a shortage of water to carry the coal won down the fluming, but it was alleged at the meeting that the tribute party, who are non-unionists, were permitted to avail themselves of what water that was available to flume coal to the railway. Men concerned in the protest stated their views, the principle of which was supported by members of the Union employed by the Westport Coal Coy, and a report was given by Air D. Hayward (President of the United Aline Workers of New Zealand Council). Air Hayward said the position was discussed at the Council meeting held recently at Wellington, and there it was decided to support the Cascade men to the full. The miners’ organisation was absolutely opposed to the tribute system, and he personally viewed it with contempt, particularly when unionists, who had been employed in the mine, were displaced by non-wnioniatsi He quoted the cose

as it applied to the Avoca Aline, a small concern between Greymouth and Christchurch, wlujre a somewhat similar case had been satisfactorily dealt with. The. consequences were, he considered, farreaching, and he recommended immediate action in the interests of Unionism. Tt was finally decided to communicate with Air Slee, who directs the Cascade concern, stating that unless the tribute partv under Air Moynahan’s direction be withdrawn, and an undertaking given that such a system would be no longer employed, steps will be immediately taken in conjunction with the Westport Watersiders’ Union to declare the coal and mine “black,” and prevent tho loading into ships of Cascade coal. The meeting thereupon closed. Business Committee’s Meeting.—The regular meeting of this Committee will be held on next Wednesday evening. Any matters which the members wish to bring before the Committee for consideration must be in the hands of the Secretary in ample, time for the purpose of consideration thereon. The Committee ■ will welcome constructive suggestions at any time in the interests of the commercial side of the miners J organisation. Every suggestion will receive duo respect. District Council. —Alessrs T. Whittle (Chairman) and W. Balderstone (Secretary) visited Millerton at the weekend, and conferred with tho Executive of the Alillerton Miners’ Union, with a view to bringing about an amicable and satisfactory settlement of the difficulty existing at that mine. The result was a settlement, work being resumed oil Friday!