MINERS’ DEMANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1921, Page 5

MINERS’ DEMANDS.

NEW ZEALAND DISPUTE. NEGOTIATIONS BREAK DOWN. OWNERS REJECT CONDITIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The negotiations between the owners and the coal miners have broken down. As soon as the conference re-assembled this afternoon, Mr. Reece, On behalf of the owners, said they had given the miners’ demands serious consideration, and had come to the conclusion that the demands were practically the same as were submitted in 1919 and again last year. It was therefore evident that both sides had ample time to think over the demands and the decision of the Miners’ Federation to insist on the whole of the demands must be taken as a result of careful consideration, not merely as a hasty statement made in the heat of the debate. The owners, after a most careful investigation, were compelled to reply that the increase in the cost of coal that would result therefrom would cripple the mining industry, and be disastrous to the industrial life of the country as a whole. Mr. Reece said the owners expected the miners’ delegates would put forward some sound arguments in support of their demands, but they were disappointed. The miners’ delegates contented themselves with -making entirely unjustifiable and unfounded statements as to the conditions existing at the mines, and have failed to substantiate their case. Figures submitted by the Mines Department representative in 1919 showed that had the miners’ demands for a six-hour day and a five-day week, a fortnight! holiday on full pay, and the abolition of the contract system been granted, the cost of coal at the mine would have .been more than doubled. Since August, 1919, there had been a considerable increase in the cost at the mine, and if the present demands of the miners were granted the alreaay high cost of coal would be further increased by 100 per cent. Under such conditions no New Zealand mines could exist against outside competition. For these reasons the mine-owners felt it their duty to say quite plainly that they cannot entertain the proposals made by the Miners’ Federation.

Mr. O’Rourke, in reply, said the miners challenged the statement that their demands were unjustifiable. He said apparently the miners were to be denied any opportunity of debate, and they felt they had not been fairly treated. The owners admitted they were charging 18s or 19s a ton for coal more than the State mine, yet the State mine was carrying on. The people had a right to know how this came about, and why the industry could not stand an extra charge.

Mr. Arbuckle said the statements made by the miners’ delegates were absolutely true, and could be borne out by checking the inspectors’ reports. He Said the owners were theft own judge and jury, and brought in a verdict to suit themselves.

After passing a vote of thanks to the chairman, the delegates left the room.

THE NEXT MOVE. MEN’S ANSWER IS “FIGHT.” Wellington, Last Night. Seen immediately after the coal-mine conference, Mr. O’Rourke was asked what the position is now and what would be the next move. “Fight,” was the answer of Mr. O’Rourke. Asked if the conference delegates had the decision from the >men, or if the decision would be made after the delegates reported, Mr. O’Rourke said: “We have the decision, but we will report before anything is done.” AN ABRUPT ENDING. DEVELOPMENTS EXPECTED. (By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) Wellington, Last Night. The coal conference ended abruptly and in a rather unexpected fashion. Mr. Reece, for the coal owners, read a statement refusing to entertain the proposals made by the Miners’ Federation. He sat down without making any counter-proposals and without renewing the suggestion that the extreme demands should be withdrawn. The miners, who had expected coun-ter-proposals and further discussion, obviously were non-plussed, and their leaders spent a few minutes complaining that the owners had advanced ho arguments. The owners said nothing, and the conference lapsed The position now is that the old national agreement adopted last year has expired, although the mines -are still being worked under it. The miners’ demands have been rejected, and the mineowners have made no proposals of their own.

The next move is expected to be with the miners, whose delegates indicated this afternoon that there would be developments. The ’ situation is being watched by the new Minister for Mines (the Hon. G. J. Anderson), who took over the Mines portfolio from Mr. Massey recently.