STEIKING MINERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIV, Issue 38, 13 January 1944, Page 4

STEIKING MINERS

TO RESUME WORK EIRE AT LX)I3SON MINE (Press Assn) GREYMOUTH,Jan. 12 Hons J. O'JJrien and A. McLagan, with Mr L. Bonnie (Secretary of Mines) this evening addressed meetings of miners at Wallsend, Dobson, Strongman, and the Liverpool State collieries, which have been idle tor some days. The meetings m all cases agreed to resume work to-morrow, while sending a deputation to Yvcllington'to discuss the matter in dispute with the Government Ihe Dobson miners (who joined.the strikers to-day) will meet again in the morning and probably will dcc.de to resume. The other miners arc doing, so without further meetings. Tile Dobson mine-fitting and carpentrv shop was destroyed by nro this "afternoon. The building, a wooden structure 80ft by 40ft. housed the fitting and carpentry machinery of the mine, also tools belonging to the staff. The origin of the fire is unknown. The mine and workshops were idle at the time and the last workman had left the workshop an hour previously. The damage is estimated a.t between £SOOO and £6OOO. When the fire had gained a hold the mine fan and compressors were stopped to prevent the smoke entering the workings. There was no chance of controlling the fire owing to lack of water. The machinery was all rendered useless, but the fire is not expected to interfere with coal production.