THE COAL QUESTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1919, Page 4

THE COAL QUESTION.

THE GO-SLOW POLICY. m&M STAND BY OWNERS. MAY CLOSE THE MINES. By Telegraph.—Pre6s Association. Christelmrch, Saturday Night. Mr. Win. i'ryor, secretary of the New Zealand Coalmine Owners' Association, Ims sent the following telegram to Mr. .1. Arbucklo, Miners' Federation, Wellington: "Information received from various mining districts indicates that as the result of advice given by representatives of your Federation it has been decided to adopt a go-slow policy throughout the coal mines of New Zealand from next Monday. The adoption of Mich a policy will still further decrease the coaj supply and ..seriously inHViiM' tin' pvice of coal to consumers. The New Zealand Coalmine Owners' Association will treat the adoption of such tactics by the miners as illegel and a serious injury to the community, and mny be compelled to take such' action as might result in the dismissal of workers who refuse or fail to maintain their normal output. My association li'ipe. however, that wiser counsels will prevail, and that the course proposed will not be adopted. It is suggested that your Federation, should take the necessary steps to have the dispute dealt with on constitutional lines by having it referred to the Conciliation Commissioners in the several industrial districts to deal with."

Greymouth, August 30. The Blackball, Paparoa and State miners decided at a stop-work meeting to inaugurate a go-slow policy. It is anticipated locally that the owners will accept the challenge and close down the mines.