SEVEN-HOUR DAY FOR MINES AS FROM NEXT MONDAY

Grey River Argus, 3 April 1948, Page 7

SEVEN-HOUR DAY FOR MINES AS FROM NEXT MONDAY

History will be made on Monday next, when the seven-hour day will be introduced in the State coal mines of New Zealand, in fulfilment of a promise made during the war by the former Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb. The shorter working day, will not, according to assurance given by the miners’ organisation, result in any reduction in coal output. For many years past, the miners have been working an official eighthour day, and to compensate them lor the shorter day, they are to receive pay for one hour at the current agreement rate. Only those working the full shift, will, however, be entitled to the extra payment, and those working less than the shift will be paid only for actual working time. The extra payment applies- to coal hewers on piece work and to truckers on contract or bonus. - . All surface workers will continue to work for eight hours daily, at the existing rates, the new hours applying only to underground workers.

NEW TRANSPORT SERVICE To meet the changed conditions in the Grey r lining district, revised timetables for trains and motor transport will be necessary. Two extra trips daily will be required for Strongman mine employees, ancK there will be three additional trains for Liverpool mine. A bus will run from Greymouth to Dunollie on five nights weekly, catering only for mine workers and not ordinary passengers. There will also be additional Railway Road Service buses on the Wallsend-Greymouth route. Other alterations require the revision, of most timetables, and the 10.40 p.m. Greymouth-Rewanui train, which usually runs nightly, will not run only on Sundays. BULLER MINE TAKEN OVER As from Thursday, the State took over control of the large Denniston and Millerton mines from the Westport Coal Company, i&eviously tne Stockton mine was taken over oy the State, which now controls the three largers producing mines in the Buller district. The change-over at Millerton and Denniston was not marked b.v any ceremony.