THE STATE COAL MINE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3, 24 April 1914, Page 2

THE STATE COAL MINE.

QUESTION OF HEWING RATES. [Per Pruhs Association.] Greymouth, April 2-i. The hearing of evidence in the State mine dispute has concluded in the Arbitration Court. On behalf ~ tiie Union, it was stated that the mly exception taken to the old tgreement was the application of a flight rise in pillar workings, and lis iusoead of 10s per day for pumping. L"he Union's proposals in other repoets were to allow the old conditions o remain. Mr Kimbell, for the Department, said it had no desire to make radial reductions.in the men's earnings. All that was desired was that the men be placed in a position to make reasonable wages. The Statu averages had been 2s to 3s more than in other mines, thus putting the State mine in a position .of bring unable co compete fairly with other companies. The loss for the year ended 1913 had been over, £7OOO, and in the subsequent half year of £4OOO. the latter showing a correspondingly great loss. To regard to .the alleged statement of the Union that the mine was most treacherous to work, the Department referred to the report put in, where the mine fatalities in one year were four only underground, and five on the surface. His Honor said the Court would make the award as soon as possible.