THE MINING CRISIS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12409, 29 August 1918, Page 4

THE MINING CRISIS.

MINEOWNERS’ MEETING. STATEMENT BY MINISTER. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, August 28. The coal mine owners are meeting in Wellington to consider the question, of conference or commission, and Cabinet expects to receive their' views .today. :Jy?Cabinet has not yet considered; the breach of law by the strikers. _■ ■, Referring to published, protests against a Royal Commission, the Minister of- Mines says they are premature, as the Government’s, intentions have not vet been announced. The Board of Trade has presented an, interim report, and is now waiting in Wellington pending the result of the employers’ conference. If necessary, the Minister states, powers will he given the hoard to continue its investigation. Ita functions, however, concern prices and do not extend to disputes between employers and employees.

GOVERNMENT’S ACTION. RETURN OP MINERS EXPECTED. ENQUIRY INTO'COST OP PRODUCTION. if [Peu Press Assocun&aS, ■ WELLINGTON, August 2-8. The coal owners put their views and proposals before Ministers this afternoon. The Cabinet thehiconsidered the matter. Afterwards Sir James Allen made the following announcement “ The Government has taken steps which it is hoped will secure the t x l ? °t, th V muers tc work immediately. lliq Government also is determined to institute air inquiry under Sections / and S of the Cost of Living Act into the cost of production of mil and of its distribution.” 11 The Minister said lie could not oivr details of the Government’s proposals because they have first t 0 bo submitted to the miners.