TROUBLE IN MINES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17450, 21 April 1920, Page 6

TROUBLE IN MINES.

THE NEW AGREEMENT.

DISPUTE REGARDING CLAUSE

PRIME MINISTER OPTIMISTIC. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN* COBRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. The reported friction at various . coal mines in New Zealand in regard to the woricing of the new agreement between the owners and the miners was referred to the Prime Minister to-day. Mr. Massey said he did not admit that the trouble was serious, and that he had full confidence that it would be satisfactorily cleared up.

The facts of the case have never been publicly stated by either side. It is understood that the question at issue affects the interpretation of the clause providing foi a minimum wage of 12s per day in bad places where the men cannot, owing to the nature of the coal and its position, earn a living wage at the hewing rates for the mine! It was always understood that there was likely to be some doubt about whethei this amount of 12s would carry a bonus of 50 per cent, or of 60 per cent., the increase payable to shift men. Mr. Massey has been advised that the companies have been instructed to pay the 60 per cent, increase, and the payment is being made. Ii this is the real trouble, then the trouble is ended. Experience has shown, however, that it is never safe to assume anything without full knowledge of the claims ana facts regarding coal mines disputes. In this case, for instance, there is another story that the miners are claiming their increases on a higher pre-war rate than the owners assess. If this should prove to be the real question, then the trouble is far from settled.