THE MINERS' DISPUTE

Timaru Herald, Volume CVII, Issue 16617, 23 August 1918, Page 5

THE MINERS' DISPUTE

TWENTY PER CENT. INCREASE. DEMANDED. PXB P&E9S Association. GREYMOUTH, August 22. A meeting of miners at Blackball and Roa decided not to return to work unless a 20 per cent, :ni-rcasc was granted. STATE MIXERS TO HOLD MEETING. Representatives from Blackball and Roa miners, who ceased work this morning, paid a visit to the State mine today and waited on the State miners' union. The resr.lt is that the State niino workers are not! out yi»t, but a stop-work meeting will bo held to-mor-row to further consider the question. Local Press opinions are in complete agreement with the coal miners on the question of a conference, which it is considered the mine owners should forthwith concede.

MTLLERTOX MINE IDLE WELLINGTON, August 21. It was reported in Wellington yesterday that the miners at the Millcfton mine were not at work, but no other particulars were available. MINISTER'S ACTION. The Minister of Mines has been in close touch with representatives of the Miners' Unions during the last two days, having been interviewed by them several times. The Minister has not opened negotiations with the coal owners yet, but is endeavouring to do so. ROYAL COMMISSION SUGGESTED It is stated that the Government has conveyed to representatives of the miners and tho mine owners an offer to eet up a Hoyal Commission to inquire into the wages dispute. It is not known how either side will regard the proposal. ORGANISER'S STATEMENT.. Mr Semple stated to-day that the Federation was endeavouring to prevent the threatened stoppage of work at the mines. Referring to ills stoppage at* Millertono Mr Semple said it was likely that the trouble there was local and had nothing to do with th« larger is?uc.

Negotiations are still proceeding between representatives of the miners and the mine owners.