BRUNNERTON MINES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9792, 16 October 1917, Page 5

BRUNNERTON MINES

MEN REMAIN IDLE CONTRADICTORY STATEMENTS ABOUT PAYMENT OF AVAGES. The trouble at the Brunncrton coal mines was referred to again in tlio House of Representatives last night. Mr P. C. AVebb, member for Grey, read telegrams received from the Mayor of Brunncrton and from tho Miners' Union there stating that tho miners were idle and that wages wore not forthcoming. Contradictions were given to a previous statement that a guarantee had been made to pay the minors when the shipping trouble "ft* over. Mr AVebb asked the Ministcr-m----chargo of Mines whether, in view_ of the scarcity ef coal, ho would take immediate action to see that the mine was not allowed to remain idle and that tho miners did not suffer. It stood to reason that the miners could not go without wages. The Hon. AV. D. S. MacDonald Raid that this particular mine had nothing to do with tho Government from the point of control. Tho Miners’ Union had communicated with him, and be had interviewed the miners’ agent m Wellington ten days ago. Ho was then informed that a guarantee had been given to the miners that the payment .could be made as soon as the coal was got away. He also, had received a telegram from tho union stating that no guarantee had been made. A recent communication stated that a guarantee had been made and that everything would bo going along smoothly again shortly. As for the suggestion chat the Government should take over the mine, there was the fact that it ivas in rather an unsatisfactory position at the present time. The company was embarking on a great ot development work, and was “feeling Its way.” Unfortunately, added Mr AlacDonald, this was the second or third time this had occurred.