THE GOAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1918, Page 3

THE GOAL TROUBLE.

*• AT STOCKTON MINE. AN AMICABLE STATEMENT. [l.-EIL PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] WESTPORT August 23. A meeting of mine managers nml deputies representing Buller and Gray districts was held in Westport this afternoon in reference to the dispute at Westport Stockton Company’s Mine and it is understood that an amicable settlement was reached, and that the deputies will resume work on Monday. Millerton is still idle, but Dciinistoii is working away as usual.

• GOVERNMENT’S DECISION. MEN MUST GO BApK TO WORK. WELLINGTON, August 23. Tho decision of the Government on tho coal mines’ trouble is that if the Boal owners do not agree to meet the delegates of the Miners’ Federation in conference ,a Royal Commission is to be set up to investigate all items in the total cost of coal to the consumer, including the hewing rates paid to the miners. One of the conditions to he insisted on is that the men must go back to work at once. Messrs Semple, O’Rourke and Parry have agreed to this condition and left: for the Coast after telegraphing the request to the strikers to go back to work.

The mine owners meet on Wednesday to consider the suggestion of the Government. A. proposed constitution of the commission is two representatives of the miners and two of the own. ers. They are to be chosen by two bodies interested, and these four members are to elect a fifth to sit as chairman. It is expected that the miners on strike will return to work next week. COAT. MINERS DEMAND. ißeceived This Dnv at 9.30. n.mX LONDON, (Aug. 23. The Minors Federation at Southport discussed the coal output. Several demand facilities for getting coal to the surface. The men are able to win more coal than could be brought up.