THE IDLE MINERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 21 September 1923, Page 7

THE IDLE MINERS.

COAL-OWNERB’ OFFER.

STATEMENT BY MR T. O'. BISHOP

By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday. Interviewed regarding the stoppage of the West Coast mines, Mr T. O. Bishop; secretary of the New Zealand Coal Mine Owners’ Association, stated that the companies concerned are all prepared to re-open the'mines immediately on receipt of an intimation from the miners that they are willing to resume normal working under the provisions of the Arbitration Court’s award. No suggestion has been received for a conference between the parties, nor is any conference necessary in view of the fact that the wages and conditions for coal mining are fixed by award until November 30, 1924. _ If, after the resumption of work, it is found that there are- any matters not covered by the award requiring consideration in respect of any mine, these can be dealt with as provided by clause 41 of the award, which is as follows — (a) Any dispute concerning any matter not specifically dealt with in this award, which cannot be settled by the executive of the Union and the „ management of a mine shall be immediately referred to the District Disputes Committee. (b) The District Disputes Committee shall consist of one representative appointed by each side, and the local Magistrate or other person agreed upon by the representatives, and in default of such agreement appointed by the Court as chairman, and shall deal with any matter which has not been settled by the means provided in clause (a) hereof. A majority decision of the District Disputes Committee shall be final and binding on all parties. (c) Work shall continue m all respects pending the decision of the dispute as before the dispute arose.

MEN DEPARTING

SERIOUS EFFECT ON THE RAIL-

WAYS

By Telegraph—Press Association,

WESTPORT, Thursday. Everything is peaceful in the mining districts and a large number of the miners have left for other parts, and more are leaving in the morning. The mining leaders claim that tho party is solid behind them in their determination not to make the first move to meet the niine-ow'ners.

' Meantime the revenue over the railway is showing a serious shrinkage. In normal times the Westport Coal Company’s output from the Millerton and Granity mines is 2000 tons daily; Stockton 500 tons, and the co-operative parties 250 tons; but now there is only the coal from tho co-operative parties coming over the railways. The trains are reduced to two outward and two inward daily. There is slackness also on the waterfront. The pay to-morrow will show a heavy shrinkage. The moneys due to the miners have been paid, so that they have nothing now' coming to them from the companies.

PROTEST AGAINST OWNERS’ ACTION.

By Telegraph-Press Association. AUCKLAN.T), Thursday

A large meeting ol Trades Unionists and t,he° Labour Party, after hearing Mr H. K. Holland, ALP., passed a resolution protesting against tho action of the mine owners in closing the mines on the West Coast, thereby precipitating the possibility of a coal famine. The urgent prosecution of the mine owners for creating a lock-out was recommended. Labour organisations, m ilio event, of a lock-out continuing, are to lake steps to tender financial and other assislanco to the locked-out miners, their wives and families.