IDLE MINE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 161, 8 June 1929, Page 2

IDLE MINE.

MINISTER’S INTERVENTION REQUESTED.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 7. This morning, Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., and Mr A. McLagan, representing the United Mine Workers of Now Zealand waited on the Minister of Mines, Hon. W. Veitch, asking him to uso his endeavours with the Shag Point Mining Company to have the mine re-opened. It was stated that the company had made a proposal to the miners for a 10 per cent, reduction in wages which the men had refused, and consequently the company was threatening to wind-up. The mine had been closed for two months following the men’s refusal to accept the reduction. It was asked, on behalf of tho men, that the Minister use his influence to have the mine reopened on tho basis of the existing agreement, after which tue men would be prepared to negotiate with the company and discuss means of improving its financial position. . » Mr Veitch replied that the case was going before the Arbitration Court, and he could not do anything likely to influence the Court’s decision. He was tremendously anxious to have the matter settled and was hopeful that it would be possible to have tho mine reopened. Provided, that he could be assured tliat he would not be doing anything to conflict with the constitutional position, he would be glad to see whether anything could be done to have the mine reopened in the meantime.