DISPUTE SETTLED

Evening Star, Issue 22447, 18 September 1936, Page 14

DISPUTE SETTLED

TROUBLE ON HUNTLY COALFIELD [Pes. United Press Association.] ' HAMILTON, September 17. After a protracted discussion extending for nearly three hours, an amicable settlement was reached this morning in the dispute that had arisen on the Huntly coalfield, and it was officially stated this afternoon that the men would all be returning to work to-mor-Tow. The meeting to-day was addressed by Mr A. M'Lagan, national secretary of the Coal Miners’ Union, and Mr A. Prenderville, national president, together with the northern miners’ representatives who attended the recent conference in Wellington when the hours and conditions of work were discussed with the owners. The cause of the present trouble was also reviewed, and it was stated to-day that this had been rectified. Some of the men at the llotowaro colliery on Tuesday refused to remove the top coal in the pillar workings at the ordinary rate of 2s lid per ton, and, as it involved the removal of fireclay, they considered they were entitled to payment at the rate of 3s 6Jd a ton. It was revealed that the rate asked, for had been granted to the men, and as the source of the dispute had ♦ been removed Mr lan Hutchinson, president of the Northern Miners’ Union, said to-day that all the mines would be in operation again to-morrow. It is understood that the rates of pay of the men on day wages, including truckers, have been advanced by 10 per cent.