COALMINE TROUBLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17691, 28 January 1921, Page 4

COALMINE TROUBLE.

CRITICAL STAGE REACHED. THREAT TO STOP WORE. MAY OPERATE NEXT WEEK. [BY TELEGBAFH. —OWN COBBESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Thursday. The dispute concerning the alleged victimisation of the man Henderson, at the Blackball mine, is at a critical stage. It wa3 reported here to-day that the miners had decided to stop work altogether next week but no confirmation was obtainable. The report was denied by a representative of the miners, who stated, however, that the men wero prepared for drastic action if their demand for the reinstatement of /Henderson was not conceded quickly. The mineowners, on the other hand, are not disposed to tolerate the continuance of the go-slow policy for any lengthy period, and some of them, at any rate, would prefer to close the mines down until the men are prepared to work in a reasonable way. Both parties axe in communication with the Prime Minister, but no agreement has been reached regarding the chairmanship of the proposed conciliation committee. The prolongation of the dispute for any considerable period undoubtedly will involve the stoppage of work at the mines. EFFORTS AT SETTLEMENT. MR. MASSEY TO TRY AGAIN. [BT TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELUNGTON. Thursday. In connection with the mining trouble it is considered probable that the Prima Minister, who is due back in Wellington to-morrow, will be given a further opportunity cf securing a settlement between the parties before the miners abandon the go-slow policy in favour of more drastic action. THE KATTANGATA DISPUTE. FEDERATION TO MAKE NEXT MOVE [BT TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DUNEDIN, Thursday. The position at Kaitangata is -unchanged. Siz men who refused to attend stop work meetings are still working, and the others are remaining idle. The <vhole matter has row been referred by the union to the federation, which will take the next step.