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Nelson Evening Mail, 16 May 1917, Page 3

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STATEMENT (BY -MIXERS' FEDERATION. {UkITBD PBJSBB A3BOCLA.TIOM-) WELLINGTON, May 15. A statement has- been issued signed ~y Messrs Jones (president), -Coppersmith (vice-president), and Arbu.kle (secretary), of the Miners' Federation, replying to the employers' statement- regarding- last- week's conference. The Federation does not dispute the employers' statement so far as it relates to happenings when the employers' and the men's representatives met. 'but denies that any conference was held. The Federation declares that the employers positively refused: to confer with liho miners' representatives, the meeting resolving itself into a form of deputation. the employers merely delivering an ultimatum and then refusvi£ to say anytime fur'tlher. though the miners' delegates strained every point in an endeavour to persuade the employers to dismiss the men's grievances in detail. The Federation docs not consider tbe offer a liberal one, as the employers' statement claimed. It grafted a 2J, per cent, advance on the former offer, bni the employers refused to discuss changes which the miners consider necessary in working conditions, and which they hoi -l to 'be imperative in- some mines for the preservation of life and limb, whiib comes befoTe any co'.j~ideration of increased wages. The Federation points out that tbe cost of production has increased 8d per ton, and consumers are asked to pay 8s per ton more. 'The Federation criticises tbe (lovernment's attitude towards tbe miners, and urges action under tbe War 'Regulations to compel coaiowne.rs properly <<> discuss tho matters io dispute, infitanc'S-.g the fact that the <;overiV.nenf stepped in and: secured wool at a fixed price, when there was a danger of stoppage x>f tbe supplies needed ifoi- the clothing of the troops.