THE MINING DISPUTE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10811, 29 January 1921, Page 7

THE MINING DISPUTE

POSITION STILL CRITICAL IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS EXPECTED TO-DAY. MINERS REJECT OFFER. No material developments occurred Yesterday.in connection with the mining deadlock, but the Mtuation is considered grave, and it is possible that there Miy be a serious issue to-day. It is urtderstood that the federation has rejected a proposal made by the .v. ine-owners towards a settlement of the trouble, ahd that an important declaration will be made by the secretary of the federation to-day as to the next move in the dispute. W hile there are those who consider a strike is inevitable, the more general opinion- appears to be that the miners will not take such drastic action, which would be likely to paralyse the country. A "Times” reporter was yesterday informed that there was a belief that the members of the federation would not elect to take a step which would involve the whole community in a period, of hardship and the country in a large financial loss. There is, it is said, much irritation amongst the workers at the mines. It is sgid that there is a desire to see the situation cleared up without loss to either party to the dispute or to the communiy. ANOTHER CONFERENCE. MINISTER' HOPEFUL. A “Times” reporter was unofficially informed: The tension with regard to the coal-mining crisis is not yet relaxed. Further conferences took place, but the difficulty in relation to the appointment of a chairman of the tribunal, which it was proposed by the Prime Minister should inquire into the alleged case of victimisation at the Black ball mine, has not, so far, been surmounted. Air Massey, on being approached by a “Times” representative fast evening, said that the time was.not opportune far a statement on the matter. The Prime ilidfater -stated that another conference would be held this morning, and it was hoped better progress would bo made towards a settlement of the dispute. "