FOUR IDLE MINES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 253, 24 September 1942, Page 4

FOUR IDLE MINES

LOSS OF OUTPUT CONTINUES. (Press Assn.) AUCKLAND, Sept 23 There was only a partial resumption of work at some of the Waikato coal mines this morning and it is estimated that fewer than 500 of the 1300 men who were on strike are working at three of the seven collieries in the district. The Mangapehi mine, which is situated 24 miles south of To Kuiti and is also involved in the dispute by its employees' connection with the district union, was also idle. The mines which resumed work are Rotowaro, Alison, and' Wilton, and those remaining idle are Glen Afton, MacDomild, Pukemiro, and Renown.

The normal output of the three mines now in production is 1000 tons daily, while the usual output for the whole of the collieries is between 3000 and 3500 tons daily. It is stated that the decision taken at Renown not to work was carried by 61 votes to 60. The attendances at both meetings represented 75 per cent, of the employees. Delegates from the mines still idle met this afternoon and it is understood that the Pukemiro men held a meeting to-night to review the situation. A notice posted in Huntly tonight by the Renown branch of the union states than an executive meeting will be held to-morrow. The issues to be discussed are not officially disclosed, but there is good reason to believe the decisions of the Pu-

kemiro men and the other branch executives, there being a branch at each mine, will determine whether partial or complete resumption ot work will obtain. There is said to bo little likelihood of the idle mines commencing operations this week as only two working days remain. The 30 workers at the Mangapehi are also holding a meeting to discuss developments. > Strong disapproval of the miners attitude and support for the Crovernment in any steps to settle tlio dispute on constitutional lines were recorded in a motion carried by the Wellington Harbour Board.