HOLIDAY CONCESSION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 4 May 1938, Page 6

HOLIDAY CONCESSION

GRANTED TO MINERS COST OF COAL TO RETAILERS MAY RISE SLIGHTLY [United Press Association] CHRISTCHURCH, 3rd May. Because of the granting of a holiday concession to miners, representing a net cost of 6d a ton on all coal mined in New Zealand, there was a possibility of a slight increase in the price of coal bought by retailers, said Mr C. C. Davis. Christchurch, president of the New Zealand Coal Mine-Owners’ Association to-day. The concession was granted at a conference between about 60 delegates of the association and the New Zealand Miners’ Federation at Wellington last month, said Mr Davis. Requests were made by the miners for increased rates of pay, shorter hours and alterations in working conditions. The conference lasted four days, and finally agreed that existing conditions and rates of pay be renewed for a further two years. The concession made to the miners would give them a paid holiday at Christmas, based on one day in each 20 worked by individual men c throughout the year, with a maximum total of 10 days’ holiday. Mr Davis expressed appreciation of the very friendly manner in which the negotiations were carried out.