COAL TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 3 February 1921, Page 4

COAL TROUBLE

[llY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION’]

THE GO-SLOW POLICY

KIRIKAPA MINE CLOSED

AUCKLAND, Feb 2

The continuation ot tho “go-slow” policy at tho Northern Coal Company’s mines at Kiripaka culminated to-day in tho mine closing indefinitely.

Recently tho liquidator of the company visited tho mine and entered into an arrangement whereby the men undertook to produce over 100 tons per day and in the meantime communicate with the Federation the question of discontinuing the go-slow policy. The Federation replied that tho “go-slow” policy was to continue and yesterday evening the Manager informed tho men that they must either call off tho “goslow” policy or take their tools out of tho mine.

The men adopted the latter course, and 50 men arc idle. The “go-slow” policy was continued at the three Waikato mines yesterday. PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT WELLINGTON Feb 2. The Prime Minister interviewed today as to the present position in regard to the mining dispute said: “There are two or three unions whose replies as to the settings up of the Hoard to consider points issue, have not yet been communicated to me. Indirectly, however, I have hoard that <he Executive of the Miners’ Federation considers that an agreement has been arrived at as to the sotting up of a Board, but I have not yet got it officially. As far as lam able to judge I think the Board will be set up.” statement OF. position. LONDON, February 1. The Mines Department announces that the price of coal will l>e decontrolled from March 1, when instruction Lhat colliers which supply specified districts will also be withdrawn.'

Tlie “Daily Telegraph” estimates that the output of the coal mines for February will Ire 1,000,000 tons per week less than during December, which w : ll lessen the miners’ earning power to 'he extent of £1,250,000, apart from the re duetion in the wages of 2s already cabled which means another £500,000. The enormous reductions in the spending powers of the miners will affect many trades.