WORK TO RESUME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17244, 10 January 1924, Page 10

WORK TO RESUME.

IN WEST COAST MINES. (Special to tho “ Star.”) GREYMOUTH, January 9. With the exception of a tew minor points, the West Coast coal-mining dispute has apparently been settled, and work will be resumed at the five mines affected. As previously reported, the Blackball union ratified the agreement reached by the conference held at Reetton last week, and the Stockton and Millerton union also approved of the agreement. A sparsely attended meeting of tho Roa union, however, refused to ratify the agreement until some minor points of the dispute at that mine are settled. The remaining union, Denniston, also deferred ratification, pending a decision regarding their claim for the payment of walking time to the Deep Creek section, equivalent to 6d per day. Concessions on both sides have been made in order to reach tho agreement, and the original demands have been modified. An increase of 11 per cent in the rates of wages paid to the men lias been agreed upon, this including the increase granted by the Court. The minimum wage is now fixed at 17-s 6d per shift. An increased rate has also been granted for trucking in isolated places, and there has been t> compromise on the question of trucking. General miners will continue to take part in this work, but the rate of pay will be increased. The demand for payment for putting props has been conceded bv the owners, and pillar rates have also been settled. The new conditions will apply to the Roa and Blackball mines as well as to those in the Buffer district. RE-OPENING TO-DAY. Per Prt.ss Assocxayiox. WESTPORT, Januarv 9. All mines will start on Thursday.