MINERS' STRIKES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 9 December 1938, Page 3

MINERS' STRIKES

FOOLISH STOPPAGES” APPEAL BY MINISTER I United i-iess Association) GREYMOUTH, 7th December. Addressing a largo meeting at Runanga this evening the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, strongly critieesd re- ! cent stoppages m Slate mines. He said definitely that these pin-pricking nonsensical stoppages must slop. The Gov eminent had rendered great assistance to the State miners, and tlleir earnings had increased by 70 per cent, since Labour came into power, while weekly hours i had been reduced for all shift workers. “1 as Minister, in the name of the Government and miners, appealed to all i large gas companies and users of coal to consume more New Zealand coal and import less,” said Mr Webb. The res ponse had been great, and never before to his knowledge were there so many or ders awaiting fulfilment. The men, both young and old, responsible for stoppages must henceforth realise that there was only one Government in the country, and at the same time the management of the State mines must be responsible to that Government for the satisfactory working of the mines. “I have given definite instructions to mine managers that if men refuse to work and pull their weight they are not to remain in State mines,” Mr Webb added. “They are not only undermining unionism, but also stabbing in the back the Government that has done so much for them. Any grievances they have can be adjusted under the provision of their agreement. The first I hear of these troubles is when I read it in the newspapers. These stoppages are impeding the working of the mines and embarrassing consumers who are awaiting supplies, and in the event of the mining industry not rising to the occasion and producing the coal required by industries, we have no alternative but to import coal. It is up to the miners to produce all the coal the country needs, keeping the money in their own country and helping to stimulate other industries. 'Tam confident that when the miners realise the seriousness of these foolish stoppages they will render better service ia every way,” said the Minister.