MINERS’ DISPUTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23829, 8 June 1939, Page 8

MINERS’ DISPUTE

CONCILIATION PROCEEDINGS THE 'HEARING ADJOURNED (PEk Jotted Press Association) . WELLINGTON, June 7. After a sitting that lasted all day the dispute in Conciliation Council between the New Zealand Gold Employees’ Federation and the Martha Gold Mining Company (Waihi). Ltd., and other employers in the Northern and Westland districts was adjourned till to-morrow morning. The discussion exhausted various aspects of the industry in both the Northern and Westland districts, and it became increasingly evident that there would be tremendous difficulties in obtaining a satisfactory agreement to operate in both, largely because of the great difference in conditions and also because of the difference in the awards, particularly on the subject of holidays. The court in its memorandum had stressed the advisability of obtaining a Dominion award if possible, though neither of the parties was individually anxious for this result After hearing Mr T. O. Bishop, agent for the employers, who expressed the opinion that any great changes in the existing awards were unlikely should the decision be finally left to the court entirely, the employees’ assessors retired to consider the question. On their return Mr J. Roberts said that so far as conditions were concerned he 'thought they could come to an agreement on the lines suggested by Mr Bishop The employees’ assessors felt that the question of wages should be left to the court. Mr Bishop said that if thev could get an agreement he did not think there would be any objection to the wages being left to the court. He asked for an adjournment till to-morrow, which was granted.