MINERS’ DISPUTE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 160, 2 April 1921, Page 8

MINERS’ DISPUTE

OWNERS AGREE TO CONFERENCE

DECISION OF EXECUTIVE

MEETING

As a result of n. meeting of the executive of tho New Zealand Coal Mine Ownera’ Association held yesterday, it is possible that a conference will be arranged withe the representatives of the Miner.*’ Federation to consider the demands for a new national agreement recently submitted by the miners. The coal owners are filling to meet tho representatives of the federation, although, as pointed out in tho letter quoted below, they cannot conceive any arguments which might be brought forward by the federation which will cause them to modify their decision as to the impossibility of agreeing to the demands for abolition of the contract system, six-hour day bank to bank, five-day week, abolition of afternoon shift, payment for holidays, and payment for time lost (minimum weekly wage). The following letter has been addressed to Mr. J. Arbuckle (secretary of the Miners’ I’ederation) by Mr. T. O. Bishop (acting-secretary of the Coal Mino Owners’ Association): —

“Dear Sir,—ln acknowledging receipt of your letter of March 16, I much regret that the federation cannot see its way to meet in conference upon the conditions proposed by my executive. These conditions were frankly stated to save any misunderstanding. “Your last letter has been fully considered, and I am instructed to inform you that the minor owners have been, and are, willing to hold a conference io consider new agreements, but it must bo clearly understood that they canpot conceive any arguments which will modify their decision that it is impossible to agree to the six items, as set out in your claims, and of the objection to which you have already been advised. “A suitable date for the meeting will be Friday, April 15, and I shall be glad if you will kindly advise mens early as possible if this will meet your convenience.—Yours faithfully, “(Sgd.) T. 0. BISHOP, “Acting-Secretary.”