MINE AWARD.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12258, 8 June 1914, Page 3

MINE AWARD.

(Per PnEss Association.) Grcyniouth, June 0. Tlig Arbitration Court's award 'n (he Liverpool Statu colliery is to hand. It is the first Industrial agreement at. ll is mine. The award is for 12 mouths only. The hewing rates are fixed at some slight increases, in accordance with the proposals of tho employers. As tile mine is not yet properly developed it was impossible for the Court to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion whether the rates fixed would euablo miners to earn average wages equal to other mines in the district. Tho Court, therefore provided n minimum wage of 10s Cd per shift. While this is sufficiently high to ensure, a miner a fair living wage it is yet low enough lo offer the miner ovory inducement in give tho hewing rates a fair and reasonable trial. The Court was not able to dual with the. much-debated question of extra, payment over tho majority of mines in Westland. There was no jjood: reason why a Stato mine should be placed at a disadvantage in this respect. The award provides that when mines are required to work three .shifts at any part of the mine a. 2d per ton additional tonnage rate shall be paid miners working at wet places. They will work mx hour shifts, bank to bank. If from, water or other difficulty in such places they cannot earn wages I hey are to ho paid 12s per shift. The award is lengthy and> occupies over four columns of the local press.