THE COAL DEADLOCK

Otago Witness, Issue 4085, 28 June 1932, Page 49

THE COAL DEADLOCK

THE NORTHERN MINES A CONFERENCE ARRANGED. AUCKLAND, June 26. Arrangements were completed during the week-end for the holding of a conference in Auckland on Tuesday between the Waikato and Hikurangi miners and the coal owners. The following telegram was received by Mr W. Davison, secretary of the Northern Miners’ District Council, from Mr T. O. Bishop, secretary of the New Zealand Coal Mine Owners’ Association :— “If your union can give a definite assurance that the Hikurangi branch of the union will accept and abide by any agreement reached at a conference as to the engagement and dismissal of men

the owners will arrange a conference in Auckland on Tuesday; the resumption of work to be postponed until after the conference.” Mr Bishop’s message was immediately referred to the Hikurangi Miners’ Union, whose secretary, Mr C. A. Latham, replied:—“ My union will stand by majority rule, provided it is endorsed by the Waikato mine workers.” On Saturday night Mr Davison received the following telegram from Mr Bishop:—“l am informed by Mr A. M’Lagan, secretary of the Federation of Miners’ Unions, that a conference has been accepted as proposed in my telegram to you. I am therefore arranging a conference to take place on Tuesday in Auckland.” It was stated by union officials today that the Glen Afton, Pukemiro, M’Donald, Rotowaro, Renown, and Hikurangi branches of the union will be represented at the conference.