Coal Dispute.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1921, Page 4

Coal Dispute.

EXCHANGE OF LETTERS. I 11V TRI.IMIKAIMI -„I'ER CHESS ASSOCIATION'] WELLINGTON, August 3 The long period of silence observed by the Miners’ Ucderiition in the 'dispute regarding making a new National Agreement, was broken by Mr J. Arbiickle, Miners’ Federation Secretary, who recently wrote to Mr Bishop. Acting-Secretary of the Coal Owners’ Association as follows: “The Federation are prepared to discuss a- .settlement of th<« present dispute in the coal mining industry with your Association on the basis of Llio present. National Agreement, with a, right, to discuss the hours of work. If this is suitable, we would be pleased to appoint representatives to meet you at the earliest posiblo date.”

“With reference to the action of your Association in filing eases against individual unions in the Arbitration Court, wo consider that it i s a distinct breach of the present national agreement. At the annual conference of the miners’ delegates, just finished in Wellington, it was decided definitely that under no consideration would the individual unions ho prepared to enter into individual or district agreements, either through the Arbitration Court or otherwise.”

Mr Bishop replied as follows: “I am instructed to say that several coal mining companies belonging to this Association are not prepared to consider the making of a new industrial agreement with your Federation. It docs not, therefore, appear that any good result would he likely to arise out of a. conference between the two organisations. This Association regrets that your Federation is so strongly opposed to the making of local agreements between the Miners’ Unions and their employers. T beg to suggest that the President and Secretary of your Federation might meet the President of this Association and myself to discuss the grounds of your opposition, with the object of ascertaining whether your opposition to local agrftoments cannot be overcome.”