THE COAL HOLD-UP

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 153, 14 June 1932, Page 7

THE COAL HOLD-UP

UNCONDITIONAL CONFERENCE. MR. HOLLAND WIRES PREMIER. By Telegraph—Press Association Westport, June 14. Mr. H. E. Holland has wired the Prime Minister as follows: “I strongly urge the Government to bring pressure to secure an unconditional conference between the owners and the miners. I am assured that the miners are ready to resume work under the existing conditions immediately a conference is arranged at which all matters in dispute will be open to discussion with a view to agreement.” Mr. Holland has sent a similar telegram to the Hon. C. E. MacMillan, Minister of Mines. MINISTER NOT PREPARED TO INTERVENE. Wellington, June 14. In replying to his telegram of yesterday the Minister of Mines, the Hon. C. E. MacMillan has received from Mr. Purdy, secretary of the West Coast Miners’ District Council, a telegram to the effect that the present dispute is national in character and suggesting that the only solution is an unconditional conference and requesting the Minister to assist in arranging such a conference. The Minister has replied: ‘‘As in my opinion there was no justification for striking and as the matter of a conference is solely one between the coal owners and the coal miners’ unions I am not prepared to intervene at present.” DEPLY T TO MINISTER. By Telegraph—Press Association Creymouth, July 14. In reply to the Minister’s telegram to-day Mr Purdy has telegraphed Mr McMillan: “The owners refuse an unconditional conference, such action is unprecedented. Resumption is impossible with same. The seriousness of the situation demands your intervention.’’