THE MINING TROUBLE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 September 1918, Page 2

THE MINING TROUBLE.

i ,] RESULT OF MINERS' BALLOT. ' By Telegraph.—Pres3 Association. Greymouth, Sept. 21. Details of tlie miners' ballot are now available as follow: • Dominion.—For the agreement 1724, ' against 862. ' State Mines.—'For 225, against 141. Blackball.—For 122, against 129. ' 1 Paparoa.—For 45, against 15. The recent conference between the men and the mine-owners discussed the fjuesfcion of providing means whereby dis- ! putes occurring in individual mines dur- J ing the currency of the agreements ; might be expeditiously and effectively J flsalt with, and this may prevent strikes, ! lockouts, stop-work meetings, etc. In J that connection a sub-committee was set lip to draft proposals, which were agreed , to as understood by the conference and since have been approved by the parties concerned:—(l) That any dispute which cannot be settled by tho executive of tho union and management of the particular mine concerned, shall be referred forth- ( with to the District Disputes' Commit- j tee; (2) that the District Disputes' Co- } mittee shall consist of three represen- j tatives appointed by each side, and shall , deal with any matter which has not ( been settled by the mean? provided in clause hereof. Failing a settlement of any dispute by tho District Disputes' Committee, it shall be referred forthI with to the National Disputes' Committee; (3) the National Disputes' Committee shall consist of three representatives appointed by the coal-mine owners and three representatives appointed 'by the New Zealand Miners' Federation, and shall deal with such matters as are referred to it by the District Disputes' , Committee; (4) either partv shall have j the right of appeal to the National Dis- ■ putes' Committee from the decision of , any District Disputes' Committee; (5) The decision of the National Committee ] shall be final and binding. It was agreed ■ by both parties to the proposals that no strike, lockout, or unnecessary stoppage ; of work shall take place at any mine till : the dispute is dealt with as provided for, ( the decision of the National Committee to be loyally accepted. It was also 1 agreed that nothing in tho foregoing i shall be construed to interfere with or ! enrtail the rights of mine managers or i officials in the control of the working of the mines or interfere with the recog- ■ n.'sed functions of tho local unions, i The above conditions remain in operation for 12 months from the date of ratification, and thereafter may- be renewed as may be decided upon.