NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3653, 15 December 1920, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

HYLTRO-SLECTRIC POWER. THAMES Dec. 14. The Thames Valley Power is visiting and district to-day. They came from Te Aroha yesterday inspecting the Waikino coni’ nection, which is nearing Pacroa. To- \ day they cross over the Hauraki Plains, where it is hoped to have the Hora Hora current next year. Farmers are eagerly looking forward to the coming of electricity especially as a means of driving milking plants. The Power Board members were the guests of the Borough Council at a dinner last night. Before leaving they inspected the Thames power station, where electricity is generated by turbines driven from the waterrace. COAL MINERS’ WAGES. UNION’S DEMANDS REJECTED. \ ; WELLINGTON, Dec. 14. The Mine Owners’ Association has informed the Miners! Federation that it cannot consider the demand for an immediate increase of 25 per cent, in wages, oh the ground that the national agreement stipulates that neither rates of pay nor bonus shall be altered during the term of the agreement which has not yet expired.

WATERSIDE WORK. WELLINGTON, Dec. 14. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce discussed the proposed cooperative agreement between big shipowners and the Watersiders’ Federation. It was decided to appoint a committee to watch . the movement and report to the Chamber, also that the Minister of Commerce be asked to inquire as to the terms of the agreement. It was pointed out during discussion that only large shipowners were concerned in the proposed agreement, and that pt was necessary to be sure its working would not be detrimental to the smaller shipping companies. ; ' FREEZING WORKS DISPUTE. SETTLEMENT AT WANGANUI.

'NUI, Dec. 14. Reduction of the cost of living bonus from nine to . three shillings a week is anticipated in some quarters to be a means of solving the difficulty between freezing works employers and employees. It is understood that the freezing works will be re-opened on the company’s first offer of 20 per cent, to piece workers, and 22 i per cent, to hourly and weekly workers.