THREE MINES IDLE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24178, 21 January 1942, Page 6

THREE MINES IDLE

SOUTHLAND DISPUTE SEQUEL TO SUSPENSIONS REINSTATEMENT ORDERED [by telegraph—press association! INVERCARGILL, Tuesday Miners employed by the Linton. Wairaki and Mossbank companies were idle to-day as a result of the action of the management in suspending for one week several men who did not adhere to the full working time prescribed in the agreement. The local Coal Mine Owners' Association telegraphed to the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. 0. Webb, asking him to take steps to see that the men return promptly and work the full time. Three hundred men are involved. The Owners' Association to-night received a telegram from the Mining Controller saying that the Government had instructed him to direct the association to open the collieries to-morrow for all men on the conditions operating before the dispute. The controller added that the Government would set up a tribunal at the earliest possible date to arbitrate on the matters in dispute. In reply the owners said that in view of the urgent necessity to maintain the maximum production, which was fully recognised by the owners and which they were endeavouring to secure, the owners willingly agreed to open the mines to-morrow to all, including those under suspension, on the terms contained in the agreement and particularly on the understanding that full time would be worked by all and that the restriction of output would cease. The owners added that the companies must, however, .'nsist on the retention by them, and the exercise by them, in proper cases, of their right to take disciplinary action with their employees in order to ensure fijll time being worked and the maximum output being obtained. The secretary of the Miners' Union, stated to-night that the men would resume work in the morning.