STRONGMAN MINE

Grey River Argus, 15 June 1946, Page 4

STRONGMAN MINE

Idled by Slip WORK EXPECTED TO RECOMMENCE MONDAY No work was carried out at the Strongman State coal mine at the Nine Mile yesterday, the men returning home after the buses in which they were travelling were unable to negotiate a washout, half a ■m,ile from the mouth of the mine. A slip occurred at the same place some time ago, but the area remained stable during the recent spell of dry weather. The road is the property of the State Mines Department. Last night it was expected that repairs would be carried out in time for the recommencement of work on Monday. STATEMENT BY UNION OFFICIALS The following statement was made yesterday afternoon by Messrs. J. Harrington (check inspector) and J. Guy (secretary of the union): — “The reason for their being no work at the Strongman Mine yesterday was because the check inspectors ruled that because of a slip on the road at the mine the road was not safe for the buses to go over it, and because the owner of the buses refused to take the vehiclss over the affected section.

“The slip occurred about four weeks ago and the union claims that insufficient effort has been made to’ get the road into suitable condition for the buses to use it. The only effort that has been made has been the building of a concrete wall, approximately 10 feet high, and some work by two men using a wheelbarrow. The union has not interfered in the matter because the management has always claimed previously that their plans have been upset by the union’s interference in such jobs. In this case the union : : s disclaiming all responsibility, but, unfortunately, the persons who are responsible for the stoppage still receive their t pay, while the members of the union have, to make sacrifices.” . An important meeting of the State Miners’ Union will be held at Runanga at 10.30 a.m. to-morrow.