THE COAL DISPUTE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12407, 27 August 1918, Page 6

THE COAL DISPUTE.

POSITION ON THE COAST. MINERS'ST ILL IDLE. [Per Press Association*;] . WESTPORT, August 27. Denniston still is working, bnb the output is very small, and the railway yard at Westport is still congested with long strings of empty coal waggons—a rather, pathetic sight when wo remembered that the times, are already dull. 1

A goodly number of miners who have been putting in time in town returned to their country residences to-day, ; It is freely mentioned that work will be resumed at all the mines to-morow, but there is no substantial qualification for tho statement.

Tho “ Timas ” learns by; telephone' that it is the general impression round about Millerton that tho men. are not going back to work.

THE ROYAL COMMISSION. EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION •PROTESTS. The following is a copy of a telegram forwarded to-day by the Canterbury Employers’, Association to the ActingPrime Minister (Sir' James Allen), the Minister of Mines (Hon AY. I>. S. Macdonald) and the local members of Parliament-: “ Canterbury . Employers’ Association protests against any proposal to set up a Royal Commission with power to override the provisions of the Arbitration Court awards or registered industrial agreements, and suggests that matters such as coal prices and ship-, ping rates should bo investigated by the Board of Trade. Strongly urge that you support, the action taken by the Coal Mine Owners*' Association. AVould point out high wages earned and short hours worked by miners. .Government should maintain a strong attitude against the claims made bv the Miners’ Federation. . , ■