“NOT A STRIKE

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21357, 27 February 1941, Page 9

“NOT A STRIKE

DISPUTE AT MINE COMMENT BY MINISTER CONDITIONS DANGEROUS (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday The Millerton coal mine had caused him and the Mines Department a great deal of worry over a considerable period, said the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, when asked today to comment on a Press Association report from Westport that the Millerton miners had been an strike since last Friday, but the nature of the dispute was not clear. A strike was also reported at Seddonville affecting 18 men and it was understood that there, was a dispute there about payment by contract or day labour. Part of the Millerton mine had been on fire for many years and it was the fire that had led to a stoppage which could not be called a strike, said Mr Webb. The section on fire had been blocked off from the workings and as it was causing a loss of thousands of tons of coal every effort had been made to control it. Investigation by Council In spite of all that- had been derne the heat from the fire was finding its way into some of the workings and after a heavy downpour of rain water soaking down through the overheated rocks above the coal was turned to steam, which came through into the workings, the Minister added. It had caused high temperatures and humidity and had made working conditions very trying. “I am informed that the recent heavy rains had a bad effect on working conditions,” Mr Webb said. “Obviously if the temperature rises too high it makes the mine unhealthy. A stoppage of work because of overheated conditions could not be construed in any way as a strike, as the men considered that their health and safety were involved. “ The Coal Council, realising the seriousness of the position, has agreed to leave Wellington for Millerton tonight,” said Mr Webb. “The council, consisting of Messrs T. O. Bishop, A. McLagan and C. Strongman, will make an inspection of the workings and will test the temperatures. They will then ccnfer with the management and the union and I am certain that satisfactory arrangements will be made to safeguard the health and general safety of the men.” STILL IDLE (By Telegrapfc.—Press Association) WESTPORT, Wednesday The Millerton mine was idle again today. The union met this morning, when a suggestion to resume work pending the inspection of the mine section in dispute was not accepted by the men, who decided not to end the strike until officials of the Mines Department were actually ready to make an inspection. The union executive considered a message from Wellington, believed to be from the Government, this evening. Another meeting of the men will be held tomorrow. SEDDONVILLE TROUBLE COMPANY NOT INVOLVED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WESTPORT, Wednesday Miners at the Westport Hydro Mine, Seddonville, have resumed work. The matter in dispute there was not between the miners and the company, but among the men themselves. A cavel for places had been held, and it was found that a youth who, it is alleged, had not previously worked in the mine was selected. Objection was taken to this by some of the miners who were affected by his inclusion, and he was dropped.