COALMINING INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19792, 12 November 1927, Page 14

COALMINING INDUSTRY.

OWNERS' ANNUAL MEETING.

"A FAIRLY PEACEFUL YEAR."

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Friday.

In his address to the annual meeting of the New Zealand Coalmine Owners' Association, the president, Mr. W. D. Holgate, who presided, congratulated the association on having had a farrlv peaceful year. There had, however, been two attempts by miners to gain further concessions by curtailing shiftmen's time in the South Island, and the Waikato claim of the right to select men to fill vacancies on coal should any occur. Never, probably, had they had a demand so unreasonable and far-reaching in its endeavour to gain control. The demand, he took it, they would all agree could not be acceded to, whatever cost or inconvenience might be entailed. On the whole there had been a better feeling between owners and employees, which should be fostered if possible. The coal industry, said Mr. Hoigato, was feeling the effects of hydro-electric power, for in fipite of increased population and industries the output of coal in New Zealand for the last ten years remained .stationary. No doubt it was in the interests of the country that hydroelectric power should be used where practicable and economical, but one did not expect a Government power board, when they found it necessary to erect an auxiliary power plant, to use imported oil for the same, when most of the mines in the country were working short time, and so many men were out of employment. It was, however, gratifying to know, as stated by the Prime Minister, that the Railway Department was now using 70 per cent of New Zealand coal. Mr. Hoi gate was re-elected unopposed as president for a fifth term.