Preparing For Closing Of Waihi Gold Mine

Chronicle (Levin), 18 June 1949, Page 4

Preparing For Closing Of Waihi Gold Mine

AUCKLAND, June 17. Althpugli the elosing of the Martha gold tnine at Waihi started on June 10 when the first men were dismissed, so far very few men have been paid off, and it will be a fortnight before any great number lose their employment. Several men have left of their own ac-c-ord sinee the announeement of the projected cessation of operations, but the majority of the miners will continue in their work until the end of the montli. "The end of June will see the finish "of our mining operations underground," said the company's loeal direetor and attorney (Mr. J. H. G-. Banks) in Auckland to-day. Few men had yet been paid off but as it had now definitely been decided to finish underground work it was expected that more men would be paid off in a fortnight 's time. "We have everything lined up, " the Mayor of Waihi (Mr. H. J. Pickett) said when speaking of plans in the borough to absoro miners in local employment when they l'ose their present work. As few men had yet been dismissed the borough had had no need yet to go ahead with its "Works which were to be introduced. It was^ still waiting for l'abour. As the tapering off process at the mine had been very gradual only five men had been employed so far on borough works, but as soon as the miners began to lose their employment in numbers the borough would get its plans under way. The miners were not leaving their bomes and he did not think that many men were leaving the district. There had been no further development with the industrial projects which it was intended to set up in the town.