STATE COAL-MINES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14683, 17 November 1909, Page 5

STATE COAL-MINES

A LABOUR DISPUTIi

PROPOSAL TO EEDUCE RATES.

STROXCILY (OPPOSED BY THE JI.EX

(I'En lisiteu Pkzss Association.)

GREYM.OUTH, November 16.

A set ions deadlock is thr?akned at the State mine. The manager demands a reduction in the ia!es of pillar and c"!'lain other wcrk. The men refuse to agree to this, and have «iven him till triday to a new ajrcvment. tFaon Oi;n Own Cokiiksi'iindknt.) November 16. A very largely-attended meeting of the State miners was held yesterday afternoon to hear the report of the delegates who were appointed to wait on the manajpient in reference to the drawing up of the new agreement for the ensuing year. Mr Semplc explained very fully the action of the committee in asking for various concorsions, one of which was that Ihe State should take the coal away from the men at the face and not, as at present, that tho miners should truck it a certain distance.

The manager would not agree to any of the demands, but intimated that ho intended to reduce pillar and certain other workings by 3d per ton on the existing rate.

The men unanimously decided not to accept any reduction, and, further, that the manager be given two days in which to comply with their demands in reference to signing the new agreement. Should the management not do eo, it is certain the men will cease work. There appears to be a feeling at Runanga.that a stoppage will take place.

A STRIKE UNLIKELY.

THE MANAGER'S VIEW.

(Feb Exited Press Association.)

GREYMOUTH, November 16.

In connection with the rumours that the Slate coal-miners intended to strike on Friday if the trucking concession was not acceded 1 , Mr Bishop, manager, on being interviewed, said there was no prospect of a strike, and tho rumours; were unfounded. Tho miners were in conference with him over a new agreement, and had not arrived at any conclusion yet. In changing the system of working the miuo there must necessarily bo some give-and-take, and if tho minem wanted the trucking done they should agree to a slight reduction in tho liewage rate. It was foolish to talk of a strike at the present time, as the miners were working under the old agreement, whicli fell out on Juno 29, 1909, but tho award states it shall remain in force mitil another agreement has been arrived at, to Uiko its place. Mr Bishop said he was hopeful -at being ablo to arrange matters amicably with the miners. They had worked in harmony for the past eix years, and thera wes every reason to believe they would continue' to do so. The proposed hewing rate reduction of 31 per ton was not hard and fast, and some modification, might be made. The conference will bo resumed in the morning, and the prospects of a, mutual understanding arc bright.