AN AGREEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1932, Page 5

AN AGREEMENT

IN COAL DISPUTE

) WORK MAY START TUESDAY

(Per Press Association — Copyright.)

WELLINGTON, July 8,

An agreement was reached this afternoon in the Northern Coal Miners’ dispute.

The agreement followed upon the conference held in Wellington between parties concerned. It was announced to-niglit that the proposals vliich the owners submitted at the conclusion of the Auckland conference, and which’ were rejected by the men,, were to-day reconsidered," and seme substantial amendments were made in those propose.’s. The Union aCega.os will. now take these recommendations back to their memoers, and, subject to their ratification, work will be resumed in the mines on Tuesday. Regarding the coal settlement, neither side desires to give any details of the agreement, until the Waikdto Miners’ Unions have considered them. The delga'tes left for their homes this evening.

“I was - very pleased with the result of to-day’s coal conference,” said the' 1 - Acting Minister of Labour, Mr Hamilton, when interviewed by a “Dominion” reporter this evening, “When negotiations broke down at the conference, held recently in Auckland, I viewed th e position seriour.i'y, and, after consulting with the Government, I decided that, ns the consequences might be ■ far-reaching, it was Advisable to invite both parties to meet me in conference in Wellington, to make a final effort to reach a settlement. The Government was naturally grateful to both sides for accepting the invitation and responding to it so readily.”

INTERVENTION BY GOVERNMENT

APPRECIATION OF ACTION

WELLINGTON, July 8

ThC Acting Minister of Labour, Mr Hamilton, . stated that a very pleasant spirit prevailed during the whole sitting of the conference. > Proposals and counter-proposals were made by each sid 6 on several occasions during -the day. The Minister said that finality was reached at six o’clock, when it was announced that both sides were agreeable to accept final proposals. The miners under:ook to endeavour to persuade their members to accept the agreement,* and the mine owners undertook to remove' certain difficulties in the way with work to be resumed on Tuesday.

The 'Minister added that before leav-’ ing, Ithe delegated from both tides expressed appreciation, of the Government’s action in calling the conference, and/ of spirit in which each side had met the othev, , The Minister said he trusted that, as a result of the conference, a better understanding would prevail and that nothing would happen to prevent continuous and harmonious working of' the mines in the northern district. The Minister said he hoped alto the agreement arrived at would materially assist in obtaining satisfactory agreements in the other mining areas ■in New Zealand. It is agreed that the conference was one of the most unique of its kind ever held in New Zealand, probably never before • has isuch a conference reached an agreement in so short a time, when such important proposals were at stake.

ADDRESS BY MR HAMILTON

GOOD HOPE FOR SETTLEMENT.

WELLINGTON, July 8, In opening the coal conference this morning, the Minister, Mr Hamilton, thanked the delegates fo p meet ng him, and offered to place at their disposal all the machinery of the Labour Disputes Act. He offered also to provide a Conciliation Coinfnissioner in the event of this failing, and trusted that both would appoint arbitrators and agree to abide by the decision reached. ,

The Minister stated that the Government did not wish to buy peace at any price, and it was quite prepared to meet any situation which would arise. As these were exceedingly difficult times, the Minister said, lie honed that both sides would realise. the full measure of the : r responsibility and enter into the spirit of the conference with, a. determination to arrive at an ' acceptable agreement. Tim Government naturally was concerned with the result of the conference, as it would affect the public very materially,. The Government, further, 'did not wish to have to deal with a coal shortage and the' possibility of the importation of coal. It was very desirable, the Minister told the Conference, that efforts should he made to keep the industry going at full speed.

The Minister asked the miners to endeavour, in any way they could, to reduce the price of coal to the public. He also requested the-mine owners *to concede to the miners, any matters vital to the miners and not seriously affecting the price of coal. , The Minister said he was satisfied that both sides were determined, if at all possible, to arrive at a settlement in th°t spirit.

Mr Hamilton said the Conference had been called under provisions of the Labour Disputes Investigation, Act,

in a finaT endeavour to reach a settlement. He offered the services of the Conciliation ; Commission to act as Chairman if so desired, if they could not agree on a Chairman. The Government wished to sugg sfc the appointment of an arbitrator from each side, the 93 two to.appoint an. independent Chairman.

The Minister referred to the necessity for a settlement of the dispute, in the public interest. If the conference broke down, the Government would have to do its duty. He con-, eluded with an appeal ft> the miners to assist in arriving at an agreement) which would aid the reduction in the cost of coal to consumers. He also urged the owners to forego any conditions which might be objectionable from the miners’ pant., of view, but did not materially affect the price of coal. . . ‘

The Minister remarked to a reporter afterwards that lie judged from the atmosphere and the spirit of the opening of the conference, there was a good hope of a settlement being reached. ,