THE COAL SITUATION

Hokitika Guardian, 2 October 1920, Page 3

THE COAL SITUATION

[Our Parliamentary Correspondent.)

PUKEMIRO COAL MINE

WELLINGTON, Oct. 1

In reference to the Pukemiro trouble Mr J. Arbuckle, Secretary of the Miners’ Federation, has asked Mr Prior, Secretary of the Mine Owners Association, for a decision of the Mine Owners Association regarding the action of Pukemiro Company in forcing engine drivers out of the Miners’ Union. He states the preference clause in the national agreement provides that these men shall become members of the Miners’ Union. He considers the Puke miro Company has broken the national agreement and that the Federation is free to act in any manner it considers fit.

MR HALLY AT AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, Oct. 1

Mr Patrick Hally, who has been visiting Auckland, was at Pukemiro unofficially to-day. Mr Halley states that, from information in his possession, although coming from only one of the parties to the dispute, he is of the opinion that the prospects of the difficulties being overcome are encouraging.

AUCKLAND EMPLOYERS. AUCKLAND, Oct. 1

The position in Auckland in regard to coal is unchanged to-night, and the city continues without trams or gas services. A serious disorganisation of business has resulted, with consequent unemployment. One hoot factory dispensed with all its male hands tonight. Several biscuit and confectionery factories have closed down, owing to a lack of coke. One factory paid off 80 hands to-night. Another factory has dispensed with the services of all except married men. Although a number of the leading restaurants are not entirely dependent on gas for cooking, many cheerless dinners were served in the city to-day.

PRESS STATEMENTS

LONDON, Sept. 30

The newspapers generally say they anticipate there will he no strike of the miners, without another ballot.

They estimate that a little over another hundredweight of coal will be required from each miner every day to justify 2s rise asked for. It is stated to be a hopeful aspect that the attitude of Smillie is that the wages claim should now ho referred to an impartial tribunal.

The owners point out that their datum lifie of 240,000,000 ton yearly has been exceeded in every full week, except one, in the first quarter of this year. They say 2s more can easily bo secured in October. Some of the miners’ leaders are said to be impressed by this point, added to the possibility of the miners securing a separate increase, after 'an inquiry, on the ground of the increased cost of living.

ANOTHER CONFERENCE. LONDON, Oct. 1. It is officially announced to-night that a new conference on the coal question between the coal owers, the miners’ executive, and the representatives of the Government has been -arranged for to-morrow morning. Mr Lloyd George is expected to attend it.

MINERS’ STRIKE NOTICES. LONDON, Sept. 30. It is considered probable that the miners’ executive will postpone the strike notices for another week, pending further discussions with the owners iespecting the “datum line. MINERS TO TAKE SECOND BALLOT CRISIS AVERTED.

(Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, October 1. \s the outcome of to-dav’s confer once with the Board of Trade, each side in the coal dispute has arranged a small committee of negotiations. These are now conferring. Replying to Hon. Lloyd George’s question. “If the datum line for two shillings had been 242 millions, have you sufficient evidence of it materialism* now,’’ Mr Hodges replied- Ye* and added “A settlement might be reached, if the owners and Governmen were disposed to agree that 242 millions materialising, on which basis you would immediately advance two shilHon. Llovd George replied that the position was not -promising. The Premier and Government representatives subsequently withdrew, pending the conference. The Exchange Telelrraph Agency states on the highest authority that the coal crisis is averted, the miners con-'•m'-ence having decided to take a second i ballot.