West Coast Miners Dispute

NZ Truth, Issue 973, 19 July 1924, Page 7

West Coast Miners Dispute

EXPLANATION AND WITH-

DRAWAL.

In our issue of June 7, there appeared an article by "Cambist" criticising the financial statement published m "The New Zealand Worker" respecting the industrial dispute a few months back between the West Coast coal miners and certain coal companies. Our contributor commented upon the apparent inadequacy of the statement/and argued that the matter was one for immediate investigation.' Incidentally he made some seven* comments which have been taken to reflect upon the persons responsible for what appeared to? him to be the mismanagement of the moneys subscribed m connection, with the dispute. It has noAV been brought to our knowledge that the dispute m question was conducted by a council elected by the miners concerned, comprising Messrs. E. P. Lock, J. E. Mcßride, H L. Evans, T. Whittle and W* Balderstone, all of whom are working miners. We are now assured' that, all the moneys subscribed passed through their hands, and that the accounts have been audited by a chartered accountant and certified con eet. JJnder these circumstances wo unreservedly^ withdraw so much of the said article as reflected or might be understood to reflect upon the integrity of the members of the council, and In. apologising we assure them that our contributor had no intention whatever of reflecting on any member of the council. As a matter of fact, the writer of the article m question was unaware that the Miners' Council bad any responsibility whatever m connection with the dispute.