NIGHTCAPS NOTES.

Western Star, 8 November 1921, Page 2

NIGHTCAPS NOTES.

(Own Correspondent.)

At a meeting; of Mine Owners in Dunedin last week, at Which nineteen members were present, the first business gone into was the Wairaki and Linton coal mines trouble. It was decided to send rperesentutivos to the sitting of the Arbiration Court in Dunedin on the Bth inst. and seek for an award rate of 50 per cent, in advance of pre-war rates, i.e., 5/3 per ton, fiew’ing, and 1/6 for dross. At the time of the strike, or lock-out, the price paid was 6/9 and 3/-, respectively. Representatives from the different j coal mines in the district left for Dunedin on ’Monday morning. It is not known whether the Miners’ Union will be represented! or not. The Federation Secretary, Mr Davidson, visited the district last week, and conferred with the miners at a general meeting, but so- far as cau bo ascertained nothing of a definite naturo was decided on. The Union argues that if a reduction in the hewing rates be accepted by them the ownens must reduce the selling price ! of coal to the consumer at (he same rates as they raised them. In one instance, they allege, the miners received a rise of 6d per ton, andl the price to the consumer rose 4/6 pe|r ton.