COAL PRODUCTION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 223, 17 June 1944, Page 6

COAL PRODUCTION

West Coast Troubles Dominion Special Service. GREYMOUTH, June 16. Production of nearly 1000 tons of coal has been lost as a result of the Liverpool and Wallsend State mines being idle one day this week. Following the. decision of the men at the Liverpool mine Io return home yesterday morning because the temperature of tiie boys’ bathhouse was' below- the minimum requirement, though the management contended that conditions were normal, both afternoon and night shifts declined Io work the mine. This was the result of n union decision that in the event of a day shift not working the other two shifts should also be idle. Th_e Liverpool mine normally produces 700 tons daily, chiefly obtained by the day shift, the afternoon and night shifts being normally engaged -on maintenance work. Tiie 'Wallsend mine is idle today as a result of the men’s request that some timbering at the top of the shaft required renewing in the interests of safety. They returned home after making the request this morning. The timber will be renewed during the weekend and the mine will probably resume on Monday. The output of the Wallsend mine is "250 tons daily. Though three colliers sailed overnight, the Knrtigi, with coal for the North Island, was unable to leave because of a swell on tiie Grey bar. She has been barbottnd since Tuesday. t A. large number of Greymouth waterside workers did not report for work today. but attended the funeral of a former workmate. Tins, combined with heavy rnin. seriously upset work. The Karn, which has been loading timber for 'Wellington throughout the week, was idle all dav, and the I’oolta. coaling for 'Wellington, was worked only intermittently.