MEMBERS & MINISTER

Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1931, Page 6

MEMBERS & MINISTER

INTERVENE IN MINE DEADLOCK. (By Telegraph.—Special to Guardian). ‘ WELLINGTON, (September 3. , Accompanied by Messrs Rushwortli and Wilkinson, nine Labour members of Parliament last night approached Hon Murdoch, requesting he. should act as arbitrator in Hikurangi dispute, and offered co-operation in bringing about settlement.. As a result of inquiries made by him, Hon. Murdoch interviewed today, said he had been advised that Portland Company had dennitely decided not to re-open its mine, but was prepared to lease it to. a co-operative party or parties to take coal if. it can be produced at a marketable price. , He was. further advised that water was rising in the mine and had, prac-> tically reached .the last level,. so if work were to be continued it would be necessary to take immediate step/ifor a resumption.. Concerning Hikurangi. ; .rpine: r itse!f, the miners were in conference with a vevv to a resumption of work in that mine on the old conditions ah<l on .receipt of this information he had communicated with L\lr Semple the Labour Party to recommend to-Hikuilirg' mine s that work he resumed. He understood that subsequently Mr Nssli , v!.P., Bpcretaryßpcretary to the Party, had Hikurangi Uivon recommending .work to be resumed •- •