MORE PAY WANTED.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 875, 22 July 1910, Page 4

MORE PAY WANTED.

» ROSS GOLDFIELDS MINES. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Hokitika, July 21. In view of the demands of the men employed at the Ross Goldflelds mines for an increase on the present rate of wagos from the first of next month, considerable anxiety is felt among shareholders as it is recognised that if those employed insist upon the higher rate it will be very detrimental to the company's interest. Despite the. fact that one of thu labour leaders who has, in a measure, been responsible for the demands mads by the miners has contradicted a telegram sent from Hokitika recording the t'act, the position, as, far as the company is concerned, .is an unenviable 'inc. What with the shortening of hours and increased .wages demanded, the Ross Goldfields, Ltd., will be asked to pay the men the equivalent 25 per cent., ■ir thereabouts, over and above the ruling rate of 10s. per shift. The men working in the lower levels require, according to the notification received by the company, 2s. per hour, or in other words, they stipulate that six hours will constitute the shift, at 12s. Those employed in what is regarded as dry ground are asking for the same rate, but they are willing to work the usual eight hours. Mr. Joseph Grimiuond, the Ross directo'i, left Hokitika to-night, en route to Christchurch, where, w/ith Dr. Neeley (chairman), and other directors, the position will be discussed. About 70 men are at present employed,' and the wages-sheet will amount to nearly JEIOOO for the present month.