MINE DISPUTE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 145, 22 June 1931, Page 7

MINE DISPUTE

REPLY TO UNION [ Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Juno 20. Mr T. O. Bishop, ' secretary of the Coal Mino Owners’ Association, issued a statement to-day in reply to Mr McLaglan, secretary of tho mine workers, concerning a dispute between the Blackball Company ain I the Union. Ho alleged that Mr McLaglan’s statement that tho company had sot itself absolutely against union labour and was not prepared to settle the dispute on reasonable i iins, was utter nonsense. The compai.y had « n dcavoured to work with tho union in all things affecting mining operations, in spito of the fact of losing money. Since tho conference with tho Union in Wellington on February 16, the company had invited tenders for preparatory work with tho object of re opening another section of tho mine in which it is believed mining might bo profitably carried on. It is satis - factory that tenders have been roioivecl and work will bo commenced. Th J company has also leased an isolated portion of its freehold area to a party of miners, who have commenced work. The section of tho mine formally worked has now been permanently abandoned. The company is doing no mining at present and there is, therefere, nothing to settle with the Union.