WORK AT ARAPUNI

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 4 May 1931, Page 3

WORK AT ARAPUNI

TUNNELLING DISPUTE (By Telegraph—l>rcss Association) HAMILTON. -Ist May. Discussions are to proceed concerning the dispute over tlio wages of tunnellers at. Arapuni. following the visit of the Minister of Public Works, (lie lion. W. 15. Taverner, who to-day inspected the works. The Minister stated that lie was not prepared to permit his officers entering into negotiations with the men concerned until the ban which the union bad placed on a portion of the work declared “black” had been lifted. lie intimated that when this was done proposals would be considered to settle ihe dispute. Subsequently the deputation intimated that it would lift the ban. Consequently the Minister stated that it would he possible to discuss the matter further and arrive at a settlement on the basis of Cabinet’s recent decision regarding rates of pay. Afterwards the Minister made an inspection of the operations in progress. He expressed satisfaction at the progress being made, and thanked the officers and staff for the manner in which the operations had been carried out. “The staff at Arapuni is not yet at (he maximum,” stated the Minister, “but given good weather through the wilder period considerable progress should be possible, and the staff will probably be .increased.” The Minister added that it was too early yet to give an indication of when the station would be generating again, but .everything pointed to a rapid completion of some of the jobs early in the coming summer. Work in connection with No- 4 unit, which was suspended in June last year, when the station was shut down, was being completed so that when remedial measures permitted resumption of power generation this unit would be available to commence supplying. The work of lining No. 4 tunnel, which was being done under contract, would be completed at. ail early date. The Minister said that the fact of the ban being lifted showed a good spirit, and opened the way for negotiations.