WAGES OF MINERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21466, 13 April 1933, Page 10

WAGES OF MINERS

CONCERN AT HTJNTLY STOP-WORK MEETINGS HELD COAL "WAR" DEVELOPMENT [by telegraph—own correspondent] HUNTLY, Wednesday Tho prospect of a reduction in n.-iners' wages led to the calling of stop-work meetings at the Glen Afton, Macdonald, Taupiri and Renown mines to-day. ■ Tho meetings at the mines were foliowed by a crowded meeting of miners at Huntly this evening. No definite decision was reached, pending the obtaining of further information, but it is likely that important developments will follow. The price of coal on truck at the mines about two years ago was 24s 6d a ton. About a year ago the rate was reduced to 18s 6d, and, with the development of the coal "war," a further reduction to 10s a ton was made early this mdnth. It is stated that, as a result of this price-cutting, representing a reduction of nearly 50 per cent on the previous level, some of the companies have asked tho men to accept a reduction in wages. It ia expected the mines will be working normally to-morrow. RENOWN COLLIERIES THE COMPANY'S PROPOSAL It was stated on behalf of Renown Collieries, Limited, last evening that the company had proposed that its miners should agree to a postponement of the payment of portion of their wages during the period of the coal "war." It was emphasised that no dispute had occurred bet-ween the company and the men. It is understood the deduction suggested is about 20 per cent.