NORTHERN COALFIELDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23112, 10 August 1938, Page 12

NORTHERN COALFIELDS

AGREEMENT REACHED CONCESSIONS BY OWNERS PRODUCTION COSTS RAISED [bt telegraph—OWN CORRESPONDENT] "WHANGAREI, Tuesday An agreement covering all the northern coalfields was reached at a conference of mine owneis and miners held in Whangarei and presided over by Mr. R. E. Price, conciliation commissioner. The agreement will remain in force until April 30, 1940. Tho principal demands conceded by the owners were one paid holiday in even' 20 days worked, up to a maximum of 10 days in the year, and increases in hewing rates and wages, together with improved conditions for the men. It is estimated that these concessions will increase the cost of coal production by approximately 'ls a ton. Assessors representing the mine owners were Messrs. L. J. Stevens, P. Hunter. W. H. Reed and J. McArkinson. Messrs. A. 6. Lunn, J. A. Gentles and J. Maple were also present. The companies concerned were the Waro Coal Mines, Kamo Collieries and Whangarei Collieries. The union was represented bv Mr. McLagen, national secretary of the Miners' Union, and Messrs. C. Latham, D. Cochrane and A. Frew, of the local union. The agreement is on the same lines as those recently brought into force throughout the Dominion.