THE IDLE MINERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17546, 11 August 1920, Page 6

THE IDLE MINERS.

WEST COAST DISPUTE.

GRIEVANCES ADJUSTED. RESUMPTION HOPED FOR. [BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER-] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. The fact that the State miners on the Wept Coast were not working was referred to in the House of Representatives to-day by Mr. H. E. Holland (Buller). -He said that because the Mines Department and the Railway Department had failed to make satisfactory arrangements for the carriage of the miners on the railways, the men had ceased operations. He asked if Mr. Massey would arrange a meeting between the Minister for Mines and the Minister for Railways, with a view to a settlement of the dispute which, he added, was of two years' standing. " I shall be very glad to arrange that," said Mr. Massey, and hon. members laughed, knowing that Mr. Massey himself holds both these portfolios. "As a matter of fact," added Mr. Massey, "I have already done so." (Renewed laughter). Mr. Fraser: Are they unanimous ? (Laughter). Mr. Massey: Quite. They are quite in agreement. (Laughter). As a matter of fact we arranged that last Friday afternoon, though 1 believe there has been some misunderstanding or misapprehension. I arranged with the General Manager of Railways that not only were the men to be conveyed to the minealthough that is no longer necessary, as we are not continuing the night shift —but I arranged also the other matter in regard to the fares. I hope the men will be working to-morrow morning. At all events I wired my opinion to Greymouth, and I hope it will be given effect to. Mr. Holland : (Hear, hear).