MINERS’ TROUBLE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 June 1932, Page 6

MINERS’ TROUBLE

ATTITUDE OF' LABOUR PARTY.

(By Telegraph—Per .Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, June 9

The National Executive of ‘the New Zealand Lbaour Party lias issued a statement in regal’d to the mining dispute, expressing concern at the at- j ti tude of the mine owners in setting down conditions before agreeing to meet the mine workers, whose dear aim is to go to a conference, at which every condition associated with the industry of coal mining will be. frankly discussed, and in this they have full support of the Labour Party. The mine owners insistence, on the enforcement of a material condition affecting employment without discussion before any conference on other matters, will be considered as contrary to the principle, of conciliation and consultation, which should he recognised in modern industry. The claim put forward hv the coal owners for undisputed power to dismiss workers is contrary to the spirit and practice of the arbitration system which has prevailed in this country for sd many years and cruelly infringes the right of the workers to a voice in the organisation of industry, which their labour makes possible. On this point the miners’ demand for consideration is just and reasonable and all the more so at a time like’ the present when unemployment has become . a problem of serious 'national importance, and in view of the fact that the rationing principle has been recommended to employers by Mr Coates, the. Labour Party’s national executive heartily supports the miners’ request for a confeience which shall not be .hampered by any condition imposed beforehand. It of The opinion, that failing the agreement of mine owners to a conference with mine workers, it is the duty of the. Governmnt to bring about a con-ifei-ence.in the interests of all parties, mine owners, miners bud the consuming public. The Executive commends to the people; of New Zealand, a clear and conciliatory statement of the position madd by Mr Purdy, secretary of the West Coast Miners Council, published a day or two ago.

NOTHING FURTHER. ATTEMPTED

OWNERS REMAIN ADAMANT.

GREYMOITTH, June 9

From leading officials of the. min© -owners and unions, interviewed today, and it was learned that nothing further had been attempted by either side to bring about a- conference and apparently the differences will be unbridged unless there is Government intervention. The, owners insist on the right of-engagement and. dismissal of employees.

u.jiMr Plvrdy ! ..comment on; the;;Auckland message yesterday, giving a statement by R. L. Roberts.

The miners declar©---tliat dismissals, when necessary, should he decided by ballot by the miners. The owners definitely state that no compromise is possible on the right of engagement and dismissal, nor w,j.1,1. ,th© deletion of the minimum wage clause lie entertained.