THE COAL MINES DISPUTE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1918, Page 4

THE COAL MINES DISPUTE.

A CONFERENCE URGED.

GOVERNMENT OFFERS TO SET'UP A COMMISSION.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night.

It is stated that the Government has conveyed to representatives of the miners and mine-owners an offer to set up a Royal commission to inquire into the wages dispute. It is not known how; either side will regard the proposition. Mr. Semple stated to-day that the federation was endeavoriug to present the threatened stoppage of work at the mines. Refening to the stoppage at Millerton, Mr. Sernple said it was likely that the trouble there was local, and. had nothing to do with the larger issue. Negotiations are still proceeding be-: tween the representatives of the miners and the Minister of Mines.

Westport, Aug; SB.

The Denniston colliery is working as if nothing had occurred. Stockton remains idle. Millerton and Graaity Soldi a meeting this afternoon toi decide whether to go back to work.

The Westport Borough Council {passed the following resolution unanimouslyisusfc night: That the Westport Borough Oamw oil, as representatives of the citizens afi Westport, is of opinion that the Government should insist upon the coal mifowi owners of the Dominion immediately meeting in conference "representatives of the .coal miners, with a. view to a settlement of the dispute between, ttgvjON gMisatioos. ?

, MEN CEASE WOBK

Greymoufli, Last Nighi, The Blackball and Paparoa miners ceased work this morning. They Mtf a meeting and decided not to letnzn amtil the 20 per cent increase was gHmtedj The State men are working as usual

CONFERENCE SHOULD BE - CONCEDED.

Greymoutk, Last Nig&i. The representatives from the Blacks ball and Paparoa miners who ceased work this morning paid a visit to the State mine to-day, and waited on the State Miners' Union. The result is that mine workers are not out yet, but ai stop-work meeting will be held temtor- : row to further consider the questions. The local press opinions are in com' plete agreement with the local miners on the question of a conference, winch, it is considered, the mine-owners--abonld forthwith concede.