THE SITUATION AT COLDEN BLOCKS COLD MINE.

Maoriland Worker, Volume 2, Issue 66, 14 June 1912, Page 10

THE SITUATION AT COLDEN BLOCKS COLD MINE.

Golden Blocks is situated about 30 miles from Collingwood (the nearest seaport town), and is very difficult to get to and from on account of the tidal niudilats and bad tracks to travel. Also tho cost of living is very high hero. One cannot batch under 20s. to 275. per week, and it is very rough living at that. The clothing is also up in proportion with tho prico of food. The rate of wages here is from 9s. Cd to 10s. por shift. Verily, ihe workers' lot is a hell on earth. This Enion has just lately withdrawn from tho abortive Arbitration Court. and the lads are after more of what they produce. Since the lads started to put on their warpaint tho exploiters have offered to pay 10s. per shift all round, and want the Union to abide by tho rules in the old agreement, which gives them (tho employers) the power to employ non-unionists if they choose. Tho men here aro taking a firm stand. This mine is one of tho richest in New Zealand in proportion to the output of stone. The returns average from 1650z. to 190oz. per month, valued at £1 odd per oz. Tho number of men employed here averages from about 14 to 20. These few figures may help to show the workers how their live soul-eases are exploited to satisfy tho non-producers' voracious greed. Fellow-workers, keep away from the field until tho trouble is Killed.—THE SENTRY.