MINE STOPPAGES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23574, 7 February 1940, Page 12

MINE STOPPAGES

EFFECT ON INDUSTRY LOSS AND DISORGANISATION IMPORT OF COAL POSSIBLE [BY TELEGHAPS—PRESS ASSOCIATION"! i iv CHB'ISTCHURCH. .Tpesday | K a. system .of control which will 'eliminate the loss, and disorganisation •involved in mining stoppages is .not found in the Dominion, New Zealarid may.be forced to import coal from Australia, .according to -Mr.. ; C., C h Davis, chairman, of Grey \ which operates the Dobsou Mine. _He said that he understood that his views •were fully supported by.the Brunner Collieries,' which controlled., the aUsend Mine. , . ... , ; "This strike has merely;brought matters to a climax, for both the'companies affected have for some time been working at' a loss," said -Mr. : Davis, referring to the stoppages at the Dobson and Wallsend' Mines over- the holiday pay dispute. "The position" lias been placed before the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, and until he lias had the, opportunity to give it consideration there is little I can. add to the reports already published. "It is certain, however, I fear, that unless means can be devised to enable the mines to pay working costs and to eliminate' the loss and disorganisation to the industry that follows stoppages such as this, Now Zealand will have to revert to the importation of Australian coai. Shareholders in colliery'companies cannot be GxpoctGcl to continue running the mines at a loss indefinitely. A measure of co-operation by the men themselves would, go a very long way toward improving the position, antl when this is forthcoming I have no doubt that a resumption of work will quickly follow."