MINERS TAKE A HOLIDAY.

Taihape Daily Times, 7 May 1919, Page 4

MINERS TAKE A HOLIDAY.

AT WEST COAST COLLIERIES

WELLINGTON, May 6

Cialminers on the West Coast did not work on May 1. They announced that they were taking a holiday in celebration of May Day. This stoppage is regarded by employers as an aggravated breach of the agreement under which the mines are, nominally, being operated. It will be remembered that recently the Coal Mine Owners ’ Association drew attention of the Miners’ Federation to repeated breaches of agreement. The loss of a day at all the mines at a time when the coal shortage is critical is a serious matter for the whole community. The Miners ’ Federation has not made any official reply to the recent demand of the Coal Mine Owners Association ; that the agreement should be observed

at the mines. The Federation acknowledged receipt of the Association’s communication, and stated that the matter would be considered. The agreement provides that there shall bo no stoppages, and that all disputes are to be referred to the Dilutes Committee. ,• • Sis®*- i ' ' OUTLOOK FOR WINTER. ’

WELLINGTON, May 6.

Though not taking quite such a gloomy view of the coal question as Sir James Allen did in his reply to a deputation that waited upon him in Dunedin. the Hoe’. W. D. 8. MacDonald, the Minister of Mines, and the Hon. A. M. Myers, the Minister for Munition and Supplies, are by no moans easy about the outlook for the coming winter. They have had the matter under constant consideration for months past, indeed, ever since the difficulties of last year, and they have surmounted, various little troubles that have arisen from time to time. But. stocks have not. been replenished, and unless tho miners get to work in earnest in the near future, much public inconvenience may bo occasioned. It is with a view to averting this that Mr MacDonald is making his trip to the West Coast.

MORE HOPEFUL VIEW,

CHRISTCHURCH, May 5

Investigations into the coal supply was made to-day, and goes to show that merchants and others do not. share Sir James Allen’s fears of a serious shortage. Though the yards are fairly bare, it is anticipated that, sufficient supplies will come to hand to enable industries to koej) going, and the household requirements to be met. The manager of the Gas Company says that while they are living from hand to mouth, as elsewhere, he is confident they will pull through. The freezing works have sufficient reserve stocks to carry them along for four to six weeks, and other primary industries are in the same position. Even if supplies were entirely cut, off, they are all connected with Lake Coleridge, which makes them independent of steam power. With regard to railways, there is stated to be a sufficient reserve to maintain normal services for two months.