MINERS’ WAGES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20104, 10 May 1935, Page 8

MINERS’ WAGES

PARTIAL RESTORATION OF CUT OFFER ACCEPTED By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, May 9. The restoration of 5 per cent, or half of the cut in coal miners wages has been agreed to on a Dominion-wide basis. The increase will take effect on the first full pay day this month. The 10 per cent, cut was the only reduction made in miners’ wages, and a request for the restoration of the whole amount was made at a conference held in February between delegates from the National Council of the United Mine Workers and representatives of the Coal Mine Owners’ Association. The question of a new agreement was adjourned, but it was reopened recently as a result of a national ballot among the miners. The parties held a further meeting in Wellington last week, and the owners agreed to restore 5 per cent, of the cut, subject to the existing agreement remaining in force until the end of 1936. This was accepted by the men’s delegates conditional on the approval of the Miners’ Unions throughout New Zealand. The Coal Mine Owners’ Association in Otago, which is distinct from the New Zealand Association was also given an opportunity to consider the proposals. Mr W. D. Holgate, president of the New Zealand Association, was advised to-day that the Unions had ratified the proposals, and that the Otago Mine Owners Association had rel"ctantly agreed to them.