SECOND EDITION

Taihape Daily Times, 23 August 1918, Page 4

SECOND EDITION

THE COAL CRISIS. | a i )

STATE MINERS 'APPROACHED. GREYMOUTH, August 22. Representatives from the Blackball' and Roa miners, who ceased work this morning, paid a visit to the 'Star© mine to-day, and waited on the State Miners' Union. The result is that the State mine workers will not go out. WELLINGTON, August 22. It is stated that the Government has conveyed to the representatives of he miners and mine-owners an offe_- to set up a Royal CuuliSission of inquiry as to the wages dispute. It 19 not known how either side will regard the proposition. Mr. Semple stated to-day that the Federation was endeavouring to prevent the threatened stoppage of work at the mines. Referring to the stoppage at Milon, Mr. Semple said it was likely the trouble there was local, and had nothing to do with the larger issue. Negotiations are still proceeding between the representatives of the miners and the Minister of Mines. The Greymouth, Blackball, and Paparoa miners ceased work this morning, held a meeting, and decided not to return -until' a 20 per cent, increase has been granted. Tn*e State men aie working as usual. CONFERENCE BETWEEN MANAGERS AND MINERS WESTPORT, this day. I A conference is being held here today between the mine mangers and all deputies from the Stockton and deputy respresentativcs from all 'district mines. The deliberations are being iejtt secret. Many colliers have come into town and appear quite indifferent to matters. A combined meeting of colliers resident at Millerton, and Gxahity yesterday decided by 268 votes to 13 not to resume work. The difficulty as to find out the exact nature of the ballot put to the, men. If! something is not done even Westport will experience a coal shortage before long. IPxiactically there is no storage, and supplies are becoming very limited. It is understood Mr Semple has sent a plea to the miners to continue working in the meantime until some definite arrangements had been come ito in Wellington. There is to be a ! conference of all deputies to-day in '< connection with tho Stockton dispute to decide upon what further course to take. This is outside the matter of the conference now reported sitting. Developments iare anxiously awaited by tradespeople'