THE WAIHI DISPUTE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 March 1920, Page 4

THE WAIHI DISPUTE

(Per Press Association.) WAIHI, March 28

The* prospects of an early action to bring about a settlement of the Waihi dispute are brighter, a telegram having been received here this morning from Mr. Arbuckle, Secretary of the Coal Miners’ Federation, intimating that the Premier is prepared to arrange for a conference to the dispute, subject to the mine owners consenting to the chairman being the Conciliation Commissioner, with Mr. p. O’Rourke to act for. the men. Mr. Arbuckle lias advised the men to accept the suggestion, and this course was adopted. It is understood that the conference will be held at the earliest moment. At a specal meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, the president Mr. G. K. Matheson, was appointed to consult the Premier in reference to a, settlement of the strike, and he in company with the Mayor (Mr. Donaldson), left for Wellington this morning. The attitude of the parties to the mining dispute continues the same. At a special meeting of the Borough Council last night it was decided that immediate intervention was necessary and it was resolved to send the Mayoi to Wellington to interview the Premier and urge the Government to action at once. It was felt that unless this was done the position would become much more serious, as there are indications that large numbers of men contemplate leaving the town at an early date. If this proves to bo the case difficulty will he experienced in working the mines in the event of a settlement after the exodus.

In consequence of the financial loss involved by the gold revenue being cut off owing to strike, the Borough Council has been compelled to dispense with practically the whole working stafF, about forty men, including the beads of Departments, being affected.