COAL COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1930, Page 5

COAL COMMISSION

COAL TROUBLE STATEMENT. (Australian Press Association) SYDNEY, April ].. '[lie Coal .Aimers’ Convention issued a statement that there are no signs oi me miners weakeniiig ; but as a meeting is being bold next week to ascertain whether the rank and file are prepared to- return l<> work, at the Nuvenit.er eumpromi.se terms, the mine owners have dropped a hint that they are not likely to tolerate much more dallying by tlife miners.

ANOTHER COX FERE’NCE. SYDNEY, April 1. An 0 file i a Is’ Conference is being held in Sydney on \\ednesday between engine drivers’ officials and mine owners loncenimg the rates of pay for a complete resumption of all northern collieries. (Received this day at 10 a.m.> SYDNEY, April 1. Upon the question of a fixation of coal prices, the Commission pointed out that drastic reform in this direction was imperative owing to the increasing desire hy the public to protect their own interests. The high price of coal and disturbed conditions in this industry were interfering with the national efficiency, and it was necessary that the Government should assume suitable means of control. The new objective must be not merely to climate over capacity and over manning but also to stimulate the market hy lowering costs. One step in this direction would lie effected by reducing tho ratio between the earnings of the more highly paid employees and those paid on daily rates and by making the wages of all mine workers conform more closely to those of the workers of the same degree of skill in other industries.