FREIGHTS ON COAL

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2903, 30 June 1925, Page 3

FREIGHTS ON COAL

OWNERS AND MINERS PERTURBED. Auckland, June 29. The coal mine owners and workers are actively co-operating in a protest against the increase in railway freights on New Zealand coal. From inquiries made among the men at the four principal mines, Glen Alton, Waijia, Pukemiro, and Rotowaro, there is no doubt that the miners, who number appoximately 1000 men, consider that their livelihood depends upon the Railway Board agreeing not to enforce upon the public the new tariff. At Glen Afton, it was pointed out; to the men that the new tariff would enable Newcastle coal to be landed cheaper than the Waikato product in districts south of Taihape, which trade the Waikato mines now hold. Various speakers expressed the opinion that the whole thing was an attempt by the Government “to put one over” on the miners. Not only the Waikato mines are affected, it was pointed out, but also the South Island mines. The opinion was expressed that the increased tariff rates must be a case of the Government, getting some sort of profit out of Newcastle coal. The men were advised to fight, and their very hardest, against, the increases, because it meant their bread and butter. Mr. Rich White, secretary of the Glen Afton Collieries, who was present, was asked if he could give any reason for the proposed increases in coal freight. He replied: “Only to make the railways pay.” After the men had passed unanimously a resolution of protest, Mr. Rich While thanked them for their co-operation in this important metier.

A voice: “We might want your help next time.” Mr. Rich White: “And you'll get it too when it is a matter of our mutual co-operation.” It is stated that conditions as far as employment at Waipa are concerned are worse than other mines. Mr. W. Byers, president of the union there, in explaining to the meeting the position taken up, said it was imperative something should be done, and that quickly. The mine could simply not carry on. They should make representations to Parliament and to the community generally, pointing out the advisability and necessity of using Waikato coal as against Newcastle. The matter might be taken up, but lie was afraid that there were big financial interests at work.

speaker said that if the Waikato slack coal trade was taken away from them, then the miners might just as well pack up their swags and get out. lie stated that many Waipa miners only averaged now about £3 per week. If the now tariff came into operation, the men might have to go to the Government lli,. same as the unemployed at Home and ask for a dole. A miner gave it as his opinion, and that of his mates, that the proposed increase- of coal freights had been brought about on account of the Government developing hy-dro-electric power, and instanced recent operations of the Government in respect t.o Mangamahoe. “The big blokes have put their heads together over this question,” l,c said, “and made these suggestions so as to compel the public end various industries to use electric power.” The secretary of the Pukemiro Union, in a statement, said: “In our opinion, the recent Coal Commission o£ Investigation the use of coal on New Zealand railways was a pure farce, if we , an believe that the intention to increase freights on Waikato coal is a serious one. If such happens, then the Government spent thousands of pounds for nothing. The position regarding the miners in the Waikato for the past six or seven months has been that the miners were working three or four days a week. On an average, the truckers are getting’ only sixteen shillings per and their families are almost starving. The men cannot help getting into debt, and it is not a fair thing for the Government to propose to increase the freight on Waikato coal, and thus make thing much harder than they are now. If the decision is carried into effect, then the miners will do something drastic.