DOBSON MINE IDLE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21992, 18 June 1941, Page 4

DOBSON MINE IDLE

Dispute Over A Decision (PA.) GREYMOUTH, June 17. By 90 votes to 6, a mass meeting of Dobson miners decided not to resume work until the management gives effect te the decision'of Mr Meldrum, the independent chairman of the Disputes Committee, that the company should make up the wages of miners on piecework to a minmum of 20/10 a day as provided for in the agreement. The mine was idle to-day after a dispute existing for some weeks concerning miners on piecework unable to produce sufficient coal to earn the minimum Hie union requested that the measurement of coal produced be taken weekly instead of fortnightly. Mr Meldrum decided in favour of a weekly measurement when the matter was referred to him.

The union received a telegram from the Hon. P. C. Webb, Minister of Mines, suggesting a resumption pending the decision of the coal Production Council. The men decided to remain firm in their attitude until the company decides to make up the pay to the minimum.

“The statement given by the Miners’ Union is hot correct,” said Mr a v u Christie, general manager of Grey Valley Collerles, Ltd., in a statement this evening. “It is true,” he said, “that the point was submitted to Mr W. Meldrum as an independent chairman, but his decision has been strictly adhered to by the company.”