THE GOAL TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1918, Page 3

THE GOAL TROUBLE.

[f/ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.) THE PRESENT POSITION. ; GREYMOUTH, This Day. Work is in full swing at the Stat< mine. A few men have not returned t< work this week. It is said that thej are in sympathy with Blackball. The Blackball miners aro still out. Mr. Semple met the Paparoa miners on Monday evening, and explained the position to tho men, after which it was decided by a large majority to cease work until the 20 per cent, increase was granted.

EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATION PROTEST. CHRISTCHURCH, Aug 27. The following telegram was forwarded to-day by the Canterbury Employers Association to the Hon. Sir James Allen, and Hon. Mr. MacDonald : ‘‘Coal mining dispute. Canterbury Employers’ Association protest against the proposal to set up a Royal Commission with power to over-ride the provisions of the Arbitration Court Awards of registered Industrial agreement and suggests that matters such as coal prices and shipping rates should be investigated by

the Board of Trade. AV© strongly urge that you support the action taken by the Coal Mine Owners’ Association. We would point out the high wages earned and short hours worker by the miners, the Government should maintain a strong attitude against the claims made by the Miners’ Federation.”. (Similar resolutions were passed by the Hawke’s Bay Employers’ Association, and Wanganui business men.)

OWNERS’ FEDERATION APPROVED. WELLINGTON, Aug. 27. The Wellington Employers’ Association in refusing to confer with the Miners’ Federation on the question of wages, and working conditions during the currency of agreements settling these matters, is expressing alarm at the suggestion 'that a Royal Commission should be set up to deal with the question of miners’ wages while the agreements are in operation, and* suggesting that tho Board of Trade is the pro- | per body to undertake the inquiry into the cost of production and distribution of coal supplies.

NO CHANGE. GREYMOUTH, This Day. Blackball and Paparoa mines are still idle. * The State mine is working as usual. MINERS BALLOT. AUCKLAND, This Day. Ballots wore taken by the miners at TTuntly, Pukemiro, and Rotowaroa on the question of a or a Royal Commission. The result will not bo known until the end of tlie week.