THE COAL SETTLEMENT

Otago Witness, Issue 3442, 2 March 1920, Page 26

THE COAL SETTLEMENT

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES. According to the Wellington correspondent of the Greymouth Star, the agreement between the coalmine owners and the coal miners gives the miners an increase of 25 per centV and the wages men 30 per cent. As the miners previously received 25 per cent, increase and the wages men 30 per cent., the total increases are 50 per cent, and 60 per cent, respectively. It is proposed to mako the agreement a national one. It is proposed to pay shift men a fiat rate of 18s. This will mean a substantial increase in the price of coal per ton. MINERS' UNIONS FAVOURABLE. AUCKLAND, February 26. The Huntly miners discussed the conference agreement for a settlement of the coal dispute, and, it is understood, expressed approval thereof. GREYMOUTH, February 26. At a meeting of the Miners' Unions at Rewanui and Runanga last night and tonight it is understood that the terms of the agreement reached at the Coal Conference were submitted and considered, and that by a large majority the miners decided to accept the agreement. The Blackball miners are understood to have deferred consideration till Sunday.