COAL DISPUTE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 September 1932, Page 5

COAL DISPUTE

HOPEFUL NOTE OF SETTLEMENT BEING REACHED (Per Press Association— Copyright.) WELLINGTON, ; September 5. Points in connection with the proposals that have been .forwarded by the Mines . .Department for a new agreement -with the State Miners’ Union were discussed to-day at a conference at Wellington. It is believed that as the result of the discussion an amicable agreement will be reached.

In the ordinary course of events, the Department’s proposals would have become operative to-day, but Hon. Mr Macmillan agreed to a continuance of the old working conditions for a further week, pending the representations from the Union. The conference was private, and lasted for nearly two hours.

It was stated subsequently, that the Minister had undertaken to consider the Union’s representations, and to give a reply when he has reached a decision.

THE POSITION AT STOCKTON

UNION REMAINS ON STRIKE.

WESTPORT, September 5,

A well attended meeting of the Stockton Miners’ Union was held today for the purpose of hearing the national and distinct officials in connection with the attitude adopted by the Unjon regarding the recommendation of the council'for the acceptance of the proposals. Mr James Mcßride (president of the Union) occupied the chair, and those present included Messrs Smeaton (national president), McLiagan (national secretary), D. Hayward (district president) ,_and W. Purdy (district secretary). The various speakers strongly emphasised the dangers of a continuance of the present trouble and mentioned that the coucil’s recommendation had been thought out, carefully, and made with a full sense of responsibility. They appealed to the members of the Union to abandon. their present attitude, to avoid the inevitable, and to conserve their forces for the purpose of building a 'stronger miners’ national organisation. Having touched on every phase of the position, the delegates asked the meeting to move cautiously in arriving at a decision.

The question of the acceptance of the council’s 'recommendation that the Union should accept the proposals and resume work, wa,s then submitted to the meeting. After Considerable discussion a vote urns taken, with the following result: For acceptance of the Cottmul’s re com* The Union, ns a result of the decision, remains on strike. Severn] members of th» Denniston Union, which similarly decided yesterday, were present at the meeting.