MINERS’ STRIKE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20031, 1 September 1939, Page 7

MINERS’ STRIKE

SETTLEMENT DEMAND MINISTER’S THREAT OPENING OF NEW PITS WARNING TO PARTIES (Parliamnntnry Ropoi’tor.) WELLINGTON, this day. The conference called by the Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, as a result of the refusal of the parties concerned in the strike in the Waikato district colleries to refer their differences to tire disputes committee, was opened to-day. Stating that he had been “let down” by both the miners and coal owners, Mr. Webb appealed to the representatives of both parties to co-operate and produce coal sufficient for New Zealand's requirements. “If we cannot get together and work harmoniously, I shall be forced to revise the whole policy and open up new mines,” said the Minister. “Everyone knows what that will mean. There will be short time employment for everybody, and it will be almost impossible for any company to make a profit. ’Mr. Webb referred to the necessity that existed to produce more coal so as to obviate any importations which would affect exchange position. Ho did not want to discuss the rights or wrongs in the case of a man of 70 or 80 years who had been sacked. What he wanted was to throw oil on troubled waters. “We are still faced with a serious crisis,” said Mr. Webb, “and if there is one time when we should endeavour to settle our little differences, that time is now. The coal owners cannot operate unless they have the cooperation of the men and the men can get nowhere unless.they stand in with their organisation and act along constitutional lines.”