“GO-SLOW” POLICY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2633, 15 September 1923, Page 3

“GO-SLOW” POLICY.

THE POSITION CRITICAL. ENTIRE STOPPAGE PROBABLE. Dunedin, September 13. Those immediately concerned here regard the position reported this morning at the West Coast mines critical, following the dismissal of several men for “go slow.” The latest advice is that the remainder of the men, though nominally working, are keeping up this method of passive resistance, and further dismissals are likely. It is regarded as possible that an entire stoppage will ensue. COAL MINES CLOSE DOWN. OWNERS’ RESPONSE TO “GOSLOW” POLICY. Greymouth, Last Night. The culmination of the dispute in the coal industry on the Coast came this morning, when all hands at the five principal collieries were locked out. The mines affected are three in the Buller, namely; Millerton, Denniston and Stockton, and two in the Grey district, Blackball and Ron. It is understood that following an abortive conference with the owners' representatives recently at Reef ton, the miners’ organisations balloted in favour of a restriction of output. It is stated that the “go slow” operated to some extent' this week at the mines mentioned, and that the'output was reduced, but the ordinary production was maintained at the State mines, the men at which have a separate agreement with the State.

On Tuesday the coal-owners’ announcement v.-.is made at the mines that all miners considered to be going slow would be at once dismissed. On Wednesday the first dismissals were seven at Millerton, six at Ddnniston and four at Stockton. On Thursday there were eight more dismissals each at Blackball and Roa. This morning, however, the coalowners closed dowii all the five mines under the Westland award, dismissing all the miners and notifying the truckers, rope and road men and shift men of their suspension indefinitely. The West Coast leaders of the miners assert a determined spirit now prevails at all the mining companies to fight for their demands. Work is proceeding as usual at the State mines, while various smaller co-operative mining groups in different parts of the Coast are all producing to fullest capacity, also ihe new Reef ton mines.

It is. possible the trouble may extend since there is no talk at present of conciliatory measures unless the Government intervenes to bring about a fresh conference of parties.