THE COAL SITUATION

Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1920, Page 1

THE COAL SITUATION

r AUSTRALIAN <!fc N.Z. CABMS ASSOCIATION] MINERS’ DISPUTE. AUCKLAND October 6 The Pukemiro dispute is likely to end. to-morrow. The Secretary of the Coal Mine Owners Association to-day forwarded a, telegram to the Pukiemiro Coal 1 Company to the effect that tho Association had made arrangements with the New Zealand Miners’ Federation that if work is resumed by the miners tomorrow, the Disputes Committee will meet to-morrow afternoon to consider the matter in disputes. The Company accordingly was asked to make arrangements for a resumption of work at the mine, l A [representative of the Company states that it is doubtful if matters would be in readiness for a commencement of work to-morrow. During the cessation of work, a considerable amount of repairs had been carried out at the mine, and some were not completed. A shortage of engine-drivers was also anticipated. The Company therefore, might have some difficulty in starting work at such short notice. Replying to a wire from the Coal Owners’ Association, the Company expressed disappointment at the decision reached. It adds:—“lt is with reluctance that wo are giving instructions to resume work.” Meanwhile the situation as to coal Supplies in Auckland is unchanged. The trams are idle, absent and many are unemployed. BACK TO WORK. ' LONDON, Oct. 5. The majority of the miners were back to work again after their day’s protest strike against accepting the employers’ stipulations for 242,000,000 tons output as a condition for a wage rise. . . The fact of the executive advising the men to reject this datum stipulation is stated to be not surprising. It is pointed out the executive of the miners is largely in the hands of the younger men, who are termed the extreme element. It is still believed that a majority of the coal fields will give a majority in favour of'a settlement with a datum, that is with the exception of the South Wales miners. WELSH MINERS RESUME. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, October 6. Welsh miners have resumed work.