THE REASON WHY?

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9040, 25 January 1908, Page 5

THE REASON WHY?

MINISTERS' HURRIED VISIT TO WESTPORT. DENNISTON MINERS' DISPUTE. BY TELEGB.VPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION*, GREYMOUTH, January 24. The Hon. .Mr Millar arrived from Christchurch by special train last evnning. The journey from Christchurch was accomplished under twelve hours. The Premier is expected to arrive at 2 o'clock in the morning by the Tutanekai, and the Min- [ ister of Marine will join him. The party will then proceed to Westport. The reason for the hurried visit to the Coast is said to be in connection with the coal miners' dispute at Denniston, and an interview with the ' Miners' Union will be held at West • port to-morrow. The Hon. Mr Millar returns to Greymouth on Monday, and will enquire into Harbour Board matters, and inspect the works now under construction.

WESTP.ORT, January 24. Although the object of the hurried visit of the Premier and Minister of Labour to Westport has not been disclosed it is understood to have reference to the Denniston coal miners. The Denniston Miners' Union has been in regular communication with the Hon. Mr Millar regarding the dispute between the Union and Westport Coal Company, and it is to be presumed the Company has also been in communication with him. ■ The Union are preparing to bring their case before the law courts, and will commence proceedings in the Warden's Court at Westport a fortnight hence. ■Mr Curtis, branch manager of the Westport Coal Company, is unaware of any special reason why the Ministers should come to Westport so hurriedly. So far as he knows work ia'proceeding steadily at Denniston. Mr Foster, President of the Union, knows nothing of the particular object of the Ministerial trip, although the committee of the Union has been advised of the visit. It is suggested that any pressure that may have arisen comes from the directors of the Company at Dunedin. .