TRANSFER OF MINERS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29504, 4 May 1961, Page 18

TRANSFER OF MINERS

First Step In Mine Closure

(From Our Own Reporter) GREYMOUTH, May 3. Although it was not poss‘ble to contact district mine officials in Greymouth today, as they were away in Wellington, it is believed that 20 men will be transferred from the Blackball State mine to the Liverpool mine at Rewanui in the near future. A distance of about 30 miles separates the two mines. The Minister of Mines (Mr Shand) recently stated in Auckland that steps were being taken to expand the Liverpool mine so that sufficient gas coal could be produced to meet New Zealand requirements without having to import gas coal from Australia. It is planned to call for volunteers from Blackball’s present complement to transfer to work at Rewanui. If this fails to produce 20 men. a ballot will be conducted to determine who shall go. It is reported that refusal to accept the results of the ballot by any mine worker could prejudice his futiire employment in the district mines, and would not be supported by unions. The system is regarded as the fairest to enable a better distribution of miners. The need for further men at Liverpool is regarded by the Government as being almost as important as terminating the substantial losses created through the uneconomic production of unwanted coal from Blackball. Although no decision has been announced, it is reported that there is a possibility that a subsidy will be offered to meet the travelling expenses of the 20 men transferred from Blackball until such time as a change in residential location may be made.