COAL MINERS' DISPUTE

Otago Witness, Issue 3470, 14 September 1920, Page 22

COAL MINERS' DISPUTE

WAIKATO MLNES INVOLVED. AUCKLAND,' September 6. Stop-work meetings were held to-day at Huntly, Pukemiro, and Rotowaro in connection with the demand for railway concessions similar to those granted to men employed in the State coal mines. . Only last fortnight the miners were granted an advance in rates, which brought their average 'daily wage to over 30s on days worked. September 8. Except for the fact that coal is becoming even more scarce than it has been lately, no developments are reported in the position. At the three Waikato mines affected the men are still away from work, and operations at the mines have been suspended until such time as_ the dispute with the Railway Department is carried a step further. In the meantime it is understood that the mine-owners are simply waiting till the r men return to' work, and many of the industrial concerns dependent wholly or in part upon soft coal for their activities are at a very low ebb, in so • far as fuel supplies are concerned. Unless work at the mines is resumed very soon the position of the Auckland industrial community will not be a happy one, for already the loss in output amount! to 5000 tons, much of this being a direct reduction of supplies to this city. September 11. At Huntly, which is in the midst of a coalfield, the Town Board is hard pressed to get sufficient fuel to keep the lightingservice going. There is no change in the coal situation to-day. GORE, September 8. The coal position in the eastern district is unsatisfactory. A conference with Mr P. Hally was arranged for this morning, but the employers failed to attend. The miners have issued an ultimatum, and a strike is threatened if a compromise is not arranged. ' Should this happen it wih 1 probably affect other mines working under the national agreement. AUSTRALIA'S GUARANTEE. - WELLINGTON, September 8. The Primo Minister has received cabled advice from the Federal Prime Minister (Mr Hughes) that, subject to industrial conditions, Australia will guarantee -50,000 tons of coal monthly to New Zealand. .

SUPPLIES FROM AUSTRALIA. WELLINGTON, September 11. The Prime Minister has received a cablegram from the Hon. Mr Hughes stating that the Waipori and the Garbeta left on Thursday night for New Zealand with coal. The Saikai Maru and the Ginju Maru were expected to sail yesterday, and the Harunsan Maru to-day. These vessels are all bound for North Island ports.