INDUSTRIAL PARALYSIS

Southland Times, Issue 19101, 20 November 1923, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL PARALYSIS

ON THE WEST COAST MINING DEADLOCK CONTINUES OUTSIDE WORKERS HARD HIT. (Special to the CHRISTCHURCH, November 19. The secretary of the West Coast Miners’ District Council expresses the view that the coal mining deadlock is likely to last at least another three months, which will make it one of the most protracted industrial struggles in the Dominion’s history. A number of married men have left the mining towns and a few of the Blackball men are working in or about Greymouth. In the Buller district many of the railwaymen have been transferred to other sections, pending a settlement. Work on the waterfront at Westport is very slack, necessitating waterside workers seeking other avenues of employment. STATE MINE AGREEMENT. MINISTER FIRMLY REFUSES TO SCRAP IT. WELLINGTON, November 19. In acknowledging a letter from Mr O’Rourke (secretary to the Miners’ Federation! asking that a new agreement be made covering men employed at the state mines Hon G. J. Anderson says he is sorry to have to remark that many of the statements contained in the communication are contrary to fact. The industrial agreements in operation at the State Mines were entered into voluntarily by representatives of the State Miners’ Union. After giving the matter further consideration the Minister says he regrets he cannot see his way to vary his previous decision not to scrap the present agreements. FIRE IN BLACKBALL MINE. ASSISTANCE FOR THE MINERS. GREYMOUTH, November 19. It is understood that overtures on behalf of the miners and owners have been passing to and fro without yet reaching a workable basis. Fire outbreaks in the Blackball mine have necessitated the sealing of No. 1 section, whereof the future is doubtful. The Union has given non-Union members permission to assist in sealing it. The Westland Timber Workers’ Union, at a general meeting, voted £lOO to the miners’ lock-out fund and also passer! a resolution recommending the Alliance of Labour to institute a levy on affiliated bodies of a shilling per member weekly.