MINING DISPUTE

Southland Times, Issue 19291, 9 July 1924, Page 5

MINING DISPUTE

TROUBLE AT OHAI THREE MINES AFFECTED QUESTION OF CHARGES. Under the provision of the recent award the coal-mine owners are permitted to charge the miners at cost price for the tools and appliances used in connection with work in the mines. In accordance with that proviso, the owners deducted out of the last pay to the men, the cost of electric detonators which are used in what are known as “safety lamp” mines. The cost works out at 3£d per detonator. This charge was resented by the men employed in the three mines in the Ohai district as coming within the safety lamp definition, with the result that they held a stop-work meeting on Monday and decided to protest against the imposition of such a charge. The consequence was that the work in the three mines ceased for the day, approximately 100 miners being affected. However, they resumed operations yesterday morning on the understanding that the matter in dispute would be referred to the New Zealand Federation for a ruling. A meeting of the local coal mine owners’ representatives, with the four delegates appointed by the miners, was held in Invercargill yesterday, when it was decided to refer the matter to Wellington, for a definite decision. It is not considered that the dispute will spread to the other mines in the district and, as far as is known, the men are likely to remain at work pending the point being amicably settled.