LABOUR ON MINE FIELDS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1789, 30 June 1913, Page 7

LABOUR ON MINE FIELDS.

THE CALL FOR MOllls. SUSPICIONS OF UNIONISTS. (By Telegraph —ProM Aaioclattoa.) Christchurch, June 28. Mr. P. Hall.v, Cojiciliotion, Commissioner, who returned on Friday ovenint from ,the AV,flst Coast, was Seen to-day on the a'ubjeot of the nllegt'd shortness ol labour in the Roefton district, Tho reporter asked Mr. Hally if h« could confirm the statements mado by llr. William l'ryor. "I may say that I have not seen th( published remarks made by Mr. Pr.yor," Mr. Bally remarked, "but I can state that during three visits mado to Beofton I havo heard statements made by the Kenera.l manager of the Consolidated Company that his rompany could find employment for ,■>! cast 300 men to carry on work that h* ; nlready been started. In addition to this" number, IJflO men could be plaoed on work opening up new properties required by this company. There was no suggestion that tho obicct of bringing n largo number of men on,to tho field was with the view of obtaining . Increased competition amongst the workers, and as a consequence a decrease of the present rate of wages. Personally speaking, I am of opinion that this ivill not eventuate. Men would not be'likely to oome in large batches, and it would depend oh results as to whether tho number required would ever be obtained if the rates were lowered.. Miners employed on tho Australian fields earn quite as ccood money os workers in the same industry id Now Zealand and it would certainly require some improved conditions before they would break up their homes to come to this Dominion. "Generally speaking." continued " Mr. Hally, "business is not. good on the coast, and Eeefton is no exception, and many people outside the ranks of the company's operations repaid the policy of tho workers in restricting the number of men as a vgry shortsighted one. They do not •think that an increased 1 number of employees would affect the rate of wages, but the output of the various companies would!, be materially improved, and that . a much-wanted impetus would:be given to business and prosperity all round." Mr. Hally added that the general secretary of tne Big River and other mining companies at Reefton had remarked to him: "At present every man capable' of handling a pick and shovel can ee given employment at Reefton."