AFTER 15 MONTHS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1930, Page 6

AFTER 15 MONTHS

COAL MINERS RESUME,

FORTY COLLIERIES REOPENING

(Australian Press Association.)

(Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 27

Between thirty and forty northern collieries reopen to-morrow. At least eight thousand miners will be employed, after fifteen months of idleness.

Additional pits arc being prepared to recommence operations within two weeks.

It is expected -lia.t about ten thousand miners will be at work when all the minor differenqes, now engaging attention, are straightened out.

Hundreds of men, however, will not i>o absorbed. For these the Federal Government will attempt to find other employment. Now the grim ,-ftroggle is over, business people on the coalfields are of the opinion that the lesson, though costly, will be a blessing in disguise.

The Premier informed the miners officials that the Government will not release tli 0 imprisoned rioters, but in regard to those convicted of minor offences, each case will be reconsidered on its merits.

Cabinet are now considering when the freight concessions can be made upon the railways, in order' to assist to win- back the lost coal trade. It is believed' Is (id per ton reduction will lie allowed on coal for local use and 2s pel- ton upon export coal.

LAST MTNUTE HITCH,

(Received this dav at 8.30. a.m.) SYDNEY, May 27.

A last minute bitch in the negotiations is likely to cause a postponement of the reopening of the coal mines.

RESUMPTION POSTPONED

QUESTION OF VOLUNTEER

LABOUR,

this day at 8 30. a.m.) SYDNEY, May 28.

The Northern MUnjers Federation anuouncied to-day that the resumption of work at the associated mines has been adjourned to a date to be fixed.

It is understood the Federation’s action has been dictated by the fact that a number of lodges decided not to return 'to work until volunteers were out of Rothbury.