HUNTLY MINERS’ DISPUTE

Southland Times, Issue 22998, 18 September 1936, Page 8

HUNTLY MINERS’ DISPUTE

AMICABLE SETTLEMENT REACHED (United Press Association.) Hamilton, September 17. After a protracted discussion extending for nearly three hours, an amicable settlement was reached this morning in the dispute that had arisen on the Huntly coalfield, and it was officially stated this afternoon that the men -would all be returning to work to-morrow. The meeting to-day was addressed by Mr A. McLagan, national secretary of the Coal Miners’ Union, and Mr A. Prenderville, the national president, together with the northern miners’ representatives, who attended the recent conference in Wellington, when hours and conditions of work were discussed with the owners. The cause of the present trouble was also reviewed, and it was stated to-day that this had been rectified. Some men at the Rotowaro colliery on Tuesday refused to remove top coal in pillar workings at the ordinary rate of 2/11 a ton, and, as it involved the removal of fireclay, they considered they were entitled to payment at a rate of 3/6-1 a ton. It was revealed that the rate asked for had been granted to (he men, and, as the source of the dispute had been removed, Mr lan Hutchinson, president of the Northern * Miners’ Union, said to-day that all the mines would be in operation again tomorrow. , It is understood that the rates of pay of men on day wages, including truckers, have been advanced by 10 per cent.