MINERS’ DISPUTE.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18661, 13 June 1932, Page 8

MINERS’ DISPUTE.

STATEMENT BY MINISTER. ADVICE TO WEST COAST MEN. NO DISPUTE WITH OWNERS. (By Telegrapn.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Monday. Replying to Mr Purdy's telegram today the Minister of Mines states: — “ Replying to your telegram of to-day I am advised that the coal-owners agreed several weeks ago to confer with representatives of the West Coast coal miners’ unions and I have no doubt that such a conference will be held at a convenient date. As there i§/ no dispute between the West Coast ooal owners and the unions I recommend you to urge the unions to resume work under existing conditions. In the interests of all concerned and in view of the conciliatory attitude of the miners, I hope the suggestion will be carried out.” THE LABOUR PARTY. REPLY TO MR BISHOP. UNCONDITIONAL CONCLAVE URGED (lly Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Monday. Replying to Mr T. 0. Bishop’s denial that the owners had refused to confer with the miners about the new proposals the National Executive of the New Zealand Labour Party states that there is some conflict between the mine owners and Mr Bishop. The main point of the Labour Party’s statement was that a conference should be held to discuss all problems without entering into a controversy as to the question of rationing work, minimum wages, and balloting to determine who is to stand down. The Labour Party’s point was that a conference should be held at once, and that every question relative to employment in the mining Industry should be the subject of discussion and negotiation at the conference. The Labour Party urged that In the public interest either the Government or the mine owners should call an unconditional conference at once.