STATE MINE IDLE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20925, 15 July 1931, Page 12

STATE MINE IDLE.

MEN'S UNUSUAL EXCUSE. WEATHER TOO WET TO WALK. COMMENT BY MINISTER. [by telegraph—special reporter.] WELLINGTON, Tuesday. An extraordinary development occurred at lite No. 2 Liverpool State mine 011 the West Coast to-day when tho miners refused to attend work on the ground that tho weather was too wot for thorn to walk a distance of 18 chains from a point to the mino entrance. Advico of tho fact that tho mino had been rendered idle for this reason was received by tho Mines Department this morning. It was stated that No. 1 mine was working. Discussing the stoppage to-night, tho Minister of Mines, Hon. A. J. Murdoch, said tho occurrence) was regrettable, especially in view of tho fact that the prico of State coal had been reduced in Wellington recently and that tho consequent increased demand reacted to the benefit of tlxo miners themselves. By increasing tho output from the mino the workers were able to make additional wages and it was to their advantage to keep up the supply now that there was every prospect of an increased demand. The Minister added that any stoppage at tho mines at present would have the result of increasing tho overhead costs of production. This would tend to pro vent the department marketing its coal at a price compatible with present values, so it would be seen that any prolonged delay in production was a matter of genuine concern. POLICY OF THE UNION. STRIKE SUGGESTIONS RESENTED. [by telegraph.—press association.] GREYMOUTH, Tuesday. Repeated predictions circulated in Chi'istchurch that a strike of the Wost Coast coalminers is likely at an early date are stated to be groundless. A prominent miner pointed out that sorious harm is suffered by the industry as the result of what he termed "street corner talk." Ho stated that tho policy of the West Coast' Miners' Union was to throw the strike weapon overboard. The miners held a serious view of the position that unfounded reports on tho West Coast mining matters had created. Such reports were doing tho industry harm by alarming unnecessarily the big coal consumers, and assisting toward the importation of Australian coal. Another matter of which the miners complain is the present price of coal. Prior to the 10 per cent, wage reduction the price of coal in Christchurch was 5s 3d per bag, but it is reported now to be 6s. Miners said it was not right that merchants should increase tho price when wages were reduced. The savings at all the mines as the result of the reduction in wages were considerable.