MINERS’ DISPUTE

Otago Witness, Issue 3518, 16 August 1921, Page 22

MINERS’ DISPUTE

MR ARBUCKLE'S LETTER. . A ELLINO i ON, August 11. * n toe course of a letter forwarded to the acting secretary of tbe Coal Mineowners’ Association. Mr John Arlruckle secretary of the Miners' Feilerarion Vc- ]: nis the request for a conference between representatives of the owner and the federation for the purpose of making a new national agreement to govern "the conditions of work in tie coal mining' industry. On behalf of the Mr Ai'buckie reiterates that miner? are averse to entering into local agreements as suggested by the award. Mr Arbuckle - letter e.. Deludes: " Vou again suggest a me.-ting between your president and yourself, along with the presi.l nt and secretary of our orgai.F.t inn, and that, it i? purely for the purpose of clearing away any misunderstandings as far as local agreement? aro concerned. If you are pivpur< d to meet U 3 to consider the reasons why a national agreement should not remain in force, then we will be on!- too pleased to

meet you on these grounds, but the miners of rids country fully understand their position and the meaning of sectional agreements, therefore there is no misunderstanding as far as we are concerned, and I must reiterate my former statements that s ien a me.-ting ns suggest d 'ey you would he fruitless, and would serve no good purpose. [ ugo.n repeat the request for a conference to si- lt!e the present unrest in the mining industry fcy entering into a li-inon.:! ■■ ::: > t for a furi!:er tear;,.” The application by the coal mine-owners : l : " " ' :. . to mint in the YW -'laiul <li. r:■ ic t ha- been pet flown for boarb; ; iy; h: (.Council of Oonc-ilin uni at Keofif : on Auirnst, 16. Mr W. Newton, (Conciliation Commissioner, left Wellington to-night to preside over the meeting.