HIKURANGI MINERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21925, 8 October 1934, Page 11

HIKURANGI MINERS

EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS BOARD'S ACTIVE PART SMALL SCHEMES IN PROGRESS A report that the Unemployment | Board had arranged to assist the Hikui ra.ngi Coal Company to the extent of £IO,IOO in opening another miue on the company's property was stated last night by Mr. W. Bromley, deputv(vinirman of the board, and Mr. L. J. S evens, chairman of directors of the company, to be without foundation. The position is that consultations have boon in progress with a vienv to finding means of employing the miners, and the hoard is interested in the results of investigations to find new work for the men. Mr. Bromley, who was interviewed by the llkkai.d by tclcphono at his home in Wellington, said the problem of finding employment for the men was admittedly serious, and it seemed obvious that probably 150 of the workers would have to be provided with relief work. The Public Works Department would provide openings for 50 men shortly, in camps not far distant from Hikurangi, and the oilers were acceptable to the men. "We are keeping in touch with the directors of the company because we are eager to know what prospects there are for the workers," stated Mr. Bromley. "i\"o question regarding finance has been raised, and it is not true that there is any arrangement such as that riunoured. The directors of the mine, where difficulties unfortunately have arisen, are anxious to find means to title the men over, and they aro trying to assist the men by organising co-operative parties to work outcrop. There is a tremendous difficulty to be faced this week in organising relief for men other than those for whom arrangements have been made with the Public Works Department." Mr. Bromley added that the position at Hikurangi was one to cause concern, and further discussions would be essential. Mr. Stevens stated that investigations were being made with a view to placing small parties of men at work, and Mr. Bromley was interested in what could be done for the men in that respect. Regarding any sugtxestion of opening a new mine, Mr. Stevens pointed out that a great amount of investigation, over a period oi' months, would be required before such a proposal could be undertaken seriously, and it was obvious that there could bo 110 arrangement between the Unemployment Board and the com'panv. In testing an area, boring would have to be carried out, in itself a considerable work, and exhaustive consideration by experts would, be necessary, before there could be any idea of making a new drive. It was evident that the position of the men was serious, as there were 300 workers whose livelihood depended on the class of work for which they were fitted. The company was naturally I eager to make the best ]>ossible. ar- [ rangements in the interests of tho j workers, and inquiries were proceeding with a view to findinc suitable work.